Beers of Germany - A German Beer tour (Part 2)

In part 1 of a German Beer tour I looked at some of the Beers from Northern Germany and Berlin. In this part we head south covering central Germany and Stuttgart, stopping at Cologne and Frankfurt on the way.

“It takes beer to make thirst worthwhile.” – German Proverb

The first stop on this leg of the German Beer tour is the city of Cologne (Köln). 

Sprawled out either side of the river Rhine is the beautiful city of Cologne. Cologne is Germany's fourth largest city and a major cultural heartland. Cologne boasts over 30 museums and has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The impressive Cologne Cathedral towers over the city overlooking the Rhine. The Altstadt area of the city is the best place to sit down and sample the local beer delights. Here you will find many of Cologne's historic pubs and drinking halls.

When it comes to beer, Cologne is all about Kölsch. Kölsch is a speciality beer unique to the region. It is clear and light in color and easier to drink than Pils. Chances are if you like Pils you will love Kölsch. Kölsch is generally served in smaller glasses than most beers. Typically a Kölsch will be served in a 0.2L tall glass, this takes some getting used to at first and it is not hard to rack up an expensive bar bill in short time.

Früh Kölsch

Brewed by: Cölner Hofbräu P. Josef Früh
Alchohol content: 4.8%

Type: Kölsch

This brewery is situated in the heart of Cologne attached to a restaurant of the same name. The beer is clear, very refreshing and very easy to drink. Früh Kölsch is served in small 0.2L glasses which the waiters will keep filling until you put your coaster over your glass to signal you are finished. The beer is also exported in bottles and while not widely available can be found in specialist liquor stores.

Sünner Kölsch

Brewed by: Sünner

Alchohol content: 5.3%

Type: Kölsch

This is a very popular drink in and around Cologne and a good representation of the Kölsch beer type. Sünner Kölsch is very lightly coloured, straw yellow beer which is less bitter than a pilsner and very drinkable. The beer can be found on tap in many bars in Cologne. A perfect summer beer.

"We could be happy if the air was as pure as beer."
– Richard Von Weizsaecker, former President of the German Federal Republic

Frankfurt is the financial capital of Germany and continental Europe. Perched along side the river Maine, the central city area is dominated with skyscrapers. For a city of this size I found it hard to find a traditional pub to find a drink, there are plenty of nightclubs around the city centre but not so many beer gardens and traditional drinking halls.

Binding Carolus Der Starke Doppelbock

Brewed by: Binding

Alchohol content: 7.5%

Type: Bock

Binding is one of Germany's brewing giants. The Doppelbock one of the more unique beers that Binding make. Bock means a strong lager and Doppel means double. That equates to quite a powerful beer. The beer is a dark reddish brown colour with quite a malty, nutty flavour. Despite the alcohol content the beer is smooth and very drinkable.

Krombacher Weizen Dunkel

Brewed by: Krombacher Brewery

Alchohol content: 5.3%

Type: Wheat Beer

Krombacher is one of Germany's biggest selling breweries. The brewery is situated in the town of Krombach, approximately an hours drive from Frankfurt. Normally more widely known for their Pilsners, the Krombacher Weizen Dunkel is a wheat beer. The beer is a cloudy golden colour and quite a full bodied beer. For a Weizen beer brewed outside of Bavaria this one is not bad.

"Water is good for only two things: floating ships and making beer."
-- Anonymous

Next stop is Stuttgart. Stuttgart has a reputation for being an industrial powerhouse and is the home of the German automobile. This is not to say that the city is a tourist dead-zone, the city itself has some scenic areas, in particular the Schlossplatz centre of the city which overlooks the new palace and a large park area. There are plenty of bars to grab a beer around this part of Stuttgart.

While in Stuttgart it seems only right to choose and industrial strength beer and the next entry definately fits the bill.

Waldhaus DoppelBock

Brewed by: Privatbrauerei Waldhaus (Walkdhous Independant Brewery)

Alcholhol content: 8.5%

Type: Lager

This beer is brewed by the Waldhaus independant brewery located approximately 30 minutes north of Stuttgart towards Ludwigsburg. At 8.5% alchohol content it packs a hefty punch. The beer is a light, golden color, quite sweet and for such a strong beer is deceptively easy to drink.

Stuttgarter Hofbräu Herrenpils

Brewed by: Stuttgarter Hofbräu

Alchohol content: 4.6%

Type: Pilsner

This is a beer brewed by one of the largest breweries in Stuttgart, the Stuttgarter Hofbräu. The beer is very popular in Stuttgart and served on tap in a number of the local bars. The beer is a very crisp mid strength pilsner, dark golden in colour with a slightly dry finish. This is one of the best pilsners I have tried in germany, highly reccomended.

That concludes part 2 of the German Beer tour. Next stop is Bavaria, home of the Weissbier and Oktoberfest.

Part 1 can be found here. Beers of Germany - The German Beer tour