Postcards from Germany: Beer. It's what's for breakfast

Beer. It’s what’s for breakfast. At least if you happen to be in the southern German region of Bavaria, that is. If it’s brunch time, you’ll see them: men and women, alone or in groups, savoring tall glasses of hefeweizen, the style of wheat beer Bavaria is famous for worldwide. Ten a.m. is known as Bavaria’s “second breakfast”, and some restaurants even advertise it as a meal complete with white sausage, soft pretzels, mustard and a pint. Don’t call in the AA just yet, though. Bavaria’s morning brew – as opposed to the one found at your local Starbucks – is just a part of Germany’s centuries-old beer culture. German brewers and monks began a long tradition of quality brewing that has engendered not only a sense of pride, but also a real pleasure for fine beer. It’s not about excess; it’s about enjoyment. It’s also about community. Breweries populate nearly every town in Bavaria -- regardless of size – and come with steadfast local followings who aren’t shy to convert others to the local brew.

tags: culture  hefeweizen  germany  beer  beerculture