German beer, the purity law and the perfect beer.

5 comments

July 24, 8:53 AM

by Charlie Papazian, Beer Examiner

 

 

One liter of Augustiner, Munich. Photo ©2008 Charlie Papazian

“Back in Germany, I find that many Germans know nothing about the US-beer culture and the creative brews there. When hearing about it, the first thing Germans claim is: "But they do not follow the Reinheitsgebot (purity law)."

What is a perfect beer? How would you define it? And what makes good quality in beer? Is the purity rule of any importance to Americans at all? (Or what ever you would hold against Germans who claim the purity law?) . [Note: The German purity law of 1514 has been adapted to 2008 conditions. It essentially states that in order for German brewers to call their product “beer” and sell it in Germany it must be made with only water, malt, yeast and hops.]

Ultimately, the perfect beer is a beer that beer drinkers will enjoy no matter how it is brewed.   For a brewer the perfect beer is one that creates value to the beer drinker; a beer that beer drinkers will embrace, enjoy, value the cultural and traditions which is woven into the breweries philosophy and personality.   The perfect beer is not ONE perfect beer for ALL beer drinkers. There is no such thing.  A perfect beer can not represent ALL values for all beer drinkers.   Today's consumers of food and beverage are seeking personality, uniqueness, creativity, and respect for tradition and at the same time appreciation for innovation.

This all being said, yes of course the purity rule is important for some breweries here in the United States. They are successful if and only if they have conveyed the message that they offer a choice from other beers; that the purity law is unique; that the brewery builds itself around the personality of the purity law.   But for most craft breweries in the USA the purity law is ONE choice among many in determining how to be unique and capture the beer drinker’s emotional attachment to their beer and their company.    Sameness is boring. Sameness is a formula for declining sales.

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