Yesterday we were able to taste at two different breweries. The first was fairly quick but my taste for their beer was sad end because of a fruity peach flavored beer that my taste buds were not too fond of. I prefer to drink beer that taste like beer. My stomach does not have a tolerance for sweet fruit flavored beers. I appreciated that fact that they were able to create a beer that was far from the other two that we tasted. The fruity beer was way to potent so it made my experience difficult to enjoy.
The second brewery was fantastic. The tour guide was able to show us an open fermentation pan that was located outside on top of the brewery. It’s not used anymore but the sight of the huge fermentation pan was a cool sight. It was cool to see the different substances that went into the beer like liquorish, orange peels, etc... The different substances put in the process of making the beer was very different from Germany because Germany is under the Purity Law. The Purity Law only allows them to put in hops, malts, water, and yeast. The tour added to what the tours before us did so we heard similar things but whatever the other tours did not cover this tour guide did. For instance, we talked over and over about the filtering process and the machine I never really knew how the machine worked. The guide went over the specific details on the filtering process and how the machine operated. The tour included a bonus because they also work with whisky. We were able to see the whisky in the barrels and based on financial figures how long the whisky was going to stay in the barrels. I didn’t know that the word “whisky” is different from the American use of “whiskey.” There is a law in Europe that the whisky can only be used if it is approved and distilled for the appropriate amount of time.
Later, I was able to enjoy Spaghetti Bolognese! AWESOME!
Other than that... That was my day!
Aloha
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Belgium
So I have to resubmit a blog because I tried posting it and it didn't go through....
Anyways, so far Belgium has been great! (other than the internet)
I'm sitting down in the Delirium Cafe. It's very awkward considering where drinking at a bar that has 2,000 beers on tap!
We were able to visit the Cantillion Brewery today. That brewery was amazing! The open air fermentation was very cool, because they need to the spontaneous fermentation to gather the wild yeast and bacteria in the air native to the Senne Valley in Brussels. I thought it was cool to see the fermentation taking place in the opened barrels while we were taking the tour. The old machinery was even better to see because it was completely different from all the other breweries we visited in Germany. The lambic beers seemed to have become a social staple to the Belgians. While we were at Cantillion we were accompanied by several Americans, so I would assume they were also beer geeks as well. I am really enjoying the "scientific" art form of beers that the Belgians have produced. I am looking forward to the rest of the trip to really get my taste buds a whole new taste to experience.
ALOHAZ!!
Anyways, so far Belgium has been great! (other than the internet)
I'm sitting down in the Delirium Cafe. It's very awkward considering where drinking at a bar that has 2,000 beers on tap!
We were able to visit the Cantillion Brewery today. That brewery was amazing! The open air fermentation was very cool, because they need to the spontaneous fermentation to gather the wild yeast and bacteria in the air native to the Senne Valley in Brussels. I thought it was cool to see the fermentation taking place in the opened barrels while we were taking the tour. The old machinery was even better to see because it was completely different from all the other breweries we visited in Germany. The lambic beers seemed to have become a social staple to the Belgians. While we were at Cantillion we were accompanied by several Americans, so I would assume they were also beer geeks as well. I am really enjoying the "scientific" art form of beers that the Belgians have produced. I am looking forward to the rest of the trip to really get my taste buds a whole new taste to experience.
ALOHAZ!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Berlin and Munich
What observations have you made about people in Berlin and Munich? Explain and give specific examples so your remarks are in a context or contexts.
The people in Berlin have more of a “city like” fashion. Munich is kind of similar but I noticed it more in Berlin. Everywhere we went in Berlin people were dressed up in nice coats, scarves, and tight jeans. Munich is a little similar but I noticed more casual dress here. This could be due to the international diversity that is here in Munich. I observed more Italians here in Munich than I did in Germany. I also met more Americans here in Munich. There is a much more diverse society in Munich than there is in Berlin. I also noticed some Middle East cultures here in regarding the people and food. I preferably like Munich better because there is more culture diversity than there was in Berlin. I have listen to the accents at restaurants and shops and I have noticed less German accents in Munich. For instance, I walked into the Hard Rock Cafe (expecting no Americans) and the first bartender I listen to is American. He was the only American in the place. The next bar we went to coincidentally spoke English and sounded like he was from the U.K. Then, 7 other guys walked in, spoke English, and sounded like they were from the U.K.
Look at a map of Berlin and at a map of Munich. What can the maps tell you about these cities' histories?
The two cities seemed to have had a center point. The center point shows where all the roads would lead to and probably lead to the main part of the the city. The point in the city could have been where political buildings were built or churches. The points can also indicate where transportation was made accessible. This would allow easy access of trade and create a center for political events. The map also recognizes where division of East and West could have taken place in Berlin. Looking at the map I identified the center of Berlin and how the division was created.
Both cities are located on waterways, are very densely populated, and use water in brewing. How might access to water affect trade in cities?
Water affects trade in cities because brewers need water to brew. Water is the most significant part of brewing. The rivers could have also been used as a transportation source to ship the beers to different locations. There were not always automobiles and trains, so they could have transfer beers by trading along the river. The river would have made water available to those living near it and made farming effective. People could trade foods for beverages making trading efficient in old times. Access to water would promote trading and allow people to make crops, brew, and transport goods.
Overall, I have really enjoyed Germany. The history here is fascinating and I have learned so much in so little time. Not only was I able to study brewing in their culture, but historic events that has changed the perception of many minds around the world about Germany. You never here about the resistance during the second world war or the people that took a stand. I never truly understood the magnitude of specific land marks in Germany. It wasn’t until I stood on German soil and experienced all these things myself was I able to experience the true culture and historic buildings that display so much of this countries history. I marvel at this culture and the cities I have visited in the past two weeks.
ALOHA
The people in Berlin have more of a “city like” fashion. Munich is kind of similar but I noticed it more in Berlin. Everywhere we went in Berlin people were dressed up in nice coats, scarves, and tight jeans. Munich is a little similar but I noticed more casual dress here. This could be due to the international diversity that is here in Munich. I observed more Italians here in Munich than I did in Germany. I also met more Americans here in Munich. There is a much more diverse society in Munich than there is in Berlin. I also noticed some Middle East cultures here in regarding the people and food. I preferably like Munich better because there is more culture diversity than there was in Berlin. I have listen to the accents at restaurants and shops and I have noticed less German accents in Munich. For instance, I walked into the Hard Rock Cafe (expecting no Americans) and the first bartender I listen to is American. He was the only American in the place. The next bar we went to coincidentally spoke English and sounded like he was from the U.K. Then, 7 other guys walked in, spoke English, and sounded like they were from the U.K.
Look at a map of Berlin and at a map of Munich. What can the maps tell you about these cities' histories?
The two cities seemed to have had a center point. The center point shows where all the roads would lead to and probably lead to the main part of the the city. The point in the city could have been where political buildings were built or churches. The points can also indicate where transportation was made accessible. This would allow easy access of trade and create a center for political events. The map also recognizes where division of East and West could have taken place in Berlin. Looking at the map I identified the center of Berlin and how the division was created.
Both cities are located on waterways, are very densely populated, and use water in brewing. How might access to water affect trade in cities?
Water affects trade in cities because brewers need water to brew. Water is the most significant part of brewing. The rivers could have also been used as a transportation source to ship the beers to different locations. There were not always automobiles and trains, so they could have transfer beers by trading along the river. The river would have made water available to those living near it and made farming effective. People could trade foods for beverages making trading efficient in old times. Access to water would promote trading and allow people to make crops, brew, and transport goods.
Overall, I have really enjoyed Germany. The history here is fascinating and I have learned so much in so little time. Not only was I able to study brewing in their culture, but historic events that has changed the perception of many minds around the world about Germany. You never here about the resistance during the second world war or the people that took a stand. I never truly understood the magnitude of specific land marks in Germany. It wasn’t until I stood on German soil and experienced all these things myself was I able to experience the true culture and historic buildings that display so much of this countries history. I marvel at this culture and the cities I have visited in the past two weeks.
ALOHA
Monday, January 16, 2012
Beer Comparison and Process
Comparison
Augustinerbrau Munchen
Lagerbier Hell
Appearance: Pale Gold; Great Head Retention, Medium wider bottle
Color: Slightly lighter than the Ayinger Hell; 4-5 SRM
Aroma: Clean Malt
Flavor: Hint of Hops, Malty
Mouthfeel: Metalic
Body: Crisp Dry
Alcohol: 5.2%
Bitterness: 18-25 IBU, low to medium
Season: Year round; Best enjoyed in warm weather
Conditions:
Where- Hotel Bar... Munich
How- Its warm temperatures inside the hotel, but my beer was kept cold by the cold air outside my window. I started to chill my beer in the evening when the sun was down. It definitely was super cold when I began to taste, but it was cold enough to where the beer tasted wonderful. There is light at the bar. I’m not sure the light would have any effect on my beers.
Style: Light Lager
Fermentation: Bottom
Ayinger
Lager Hell
Appearance: Pale Gold: Great Head Retention, Tall slim bottle
Color: Light in color but slightly darker than the Augustiner; 4-6 SRM
Aroma: Clean, Definitely Malty
Flavor: Caramelly; Reminds me of a dark beer. Maybe some dark beer qualities. Some bitterness; Hoppy
Mouthfeel: Mouth Coating, Thickness
Body: Crisp, Dry
Alcohol: 4.9%
Season: Year round; Best enjoyed in warm weather
Conditions:
Where- Hotel Bar... Munich
How- Its warm temperatures inside the hotel, but my beer was kept cold by the cold air outside my window. I started to chill my beer in the evening when the sun was down. It definitely was super cold when I began to taste, but it was cold enough to where the beer tasted wonderful. There is light at the bar. I’m not sure the light would have any effect on my beers.
Style: Light Lager
Fermentation: Bottom
Similarities:
They are almost identical in color with a pale gold. They both taste malty and taste full of hops. The body is crisp and dry. I would prefer the Ayinger Lager Hell because I like the caramel flavor that has been added. The two beers are both refreshing but I feel as if the Ayinger had more flavor to offer.
Brewing Process:
I.The grains are turned into malt
A.Heated and Roasted
B.(Milling)
II.Mashing
A.Turns the malt into malt extract by heating water and adding malts
B.Collects the starches and proteins needed
C.Wort strained for Boil
a.contains sugars
III.Boiling
A.Water is boiled and Hops added
a.added at different time intervals
B.Proteins boiled for interaction with water so it can be removed
C.Whirl
a.spent grains removed
b.food for cattle or used for bread
IV.Cooled
A.Brought down the temperature of the beer so yeast may be added
a.yeast can’t survive in high temperatures
b.alcohol would not be able to be produced
B.Yeast then added after cooling to produce the CO2 and Ethanol
V.Fermentation
A.Allows yeast to ferment to produce alcohol
B.Oxygen removed
a.carbon dioxide and ethanol produced
i. starches broke down into ferment-able sugars, sugars react to the yeast, then CO2 and ethanol created
VI.Maturing
A.Beer takes weeks to mature and age
VIII.Filtering
A.Removal of yeast
VIII.Bottled
A.Bottles are recycled and cleaned
B.Beer is added
C.Shipped for Consumers
ALOHA
Augustinerbrau Munchen
Lagerbier Hell
Appearance: Pale Gold; Great Head Retention, Medium wider bottle
Color: Slightly lighter than the Ayinger Hell; 4-5 SRM
Aroma: Clean Malt
Flavor: Hint of Hops, Malty
Mouthfeel: Metalic
Body: Crisp Dry
Alcohol: 5.2%
Bitterness: 18-25 IBU, low to medium
Season: Year round; Best enjoyed in warm weather
Conditions:
Where- Hotel Bar... Munich
How- Its warm temperatures inside the hotel, but my beer was kept cold by the cold air outside my window. I started to chill my beer in the evening when the sun was down. It definitely was super cold when I began to taste, but it was cold enough to where the beer tasted wonderful. There is light at the bar. I’m not sure the light would have any effect on my beers.
Style: Light Lager
Fermentation: Bottom
Ayinger
Lager Hell
Appearance: Pale Gold: Great Head Retention, Tall slim bottle
Color: Light in color but slightly darker than the Augustiner; 4-6 SRM
Aroma: Clean, Definitely Malty
Flavor: Caramelly; Reminds me of a dark beer. Maybe some dark beer qualities. Some bitterness; Hoppy
Mouthfeel: Mouth Coating, Thickness
Body: Crisp, Dry
Alcohol: 4.9%
Season: Year round; Best enjoyed in warm weather
Conditions:
Where- Hotel Bar... Munich
How- Its warm temperatures inside the hotel, but my beer was kept cold by the cold air outside my window. I started to chill my beer in the evening when the sun was down. It definitely was super cold when I began to taste, but it was cold enough to where the beer tasted wonderful. There is light at the bar. I’m not sure the light would have any effect on my beers.
Style: Light Lager
Fermentation: Bottom
Similarities:
They are almost identical in color with a pale gold. They both taste malty and taste full of hops. The body is crisp and dry. I would prefer the Ayinger Lager Hell because I like the caramel flavor that has been added. The two beers are both refreshing but I feel as if the Ayinger had more flavor to offer.
Brewing Process:
I.The grains are turned into malt
A.Heated and Roasted
B.(Milling)
II.Mashing
A.Turns the malt into malt extract by heating water and adding malts
B.Collects the starches and proteins needed
C.Wort strained for Boil
a.contains sugars
III.Boiling
A.Water is boiled and Hops added
a.added at different time intervals
B.Proteins boiled for interaction with water so it can be removed
C.Whirl
a.spent grains removed
b.food for cattle or used for bread
IV.Cooled
A.Brought down the temperature of the beer so yeast may be added
a.yeast can’t survive in high temperatures
b.alcohol would not be able to be produced
B.Yeast then added after cooling to produce the CO2 and Ethanol
V.Fermentation
A.Allows yeast to ferment to produce alcohol
B.Oxygen removed
a.carbon dioxide and ethanol produced
i. starches broke down into ferment-able sugars, sugars react to the yeast, then CO2 and ethanol created
VI.Maturing
A.Beer takes weeks to mature and age
VIII.Filtering
A.Removal of yeast
VIII.Bottled
A.Bottles are recycled and cleaned
B.Beer is added
C.Shipped for Consumers
ALOHA
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Dachau Concentration Camp
Today we visited the Dachau Concentration Camp located right outside of Munich. I will never forget this experience. It was definitely one of the most depressing things I have seen before. The two most uncomfortable settings were the bunker (prison) and the crematorium. The memorial/museum was very moving and really gave you a small taste of how life on the camp must have been. There is definitely no way to truly grasp the concept. The pictures and videos are what really got me feeling disgusted and sad.
The prison had a number of cells. There were descriptions of officers who were known for their cruelty, punishment/torture, and a pure vision of the tiny cells. I felt so uncomfortable walking through the building. When you read how they tortured the prisoners like putting them in cells that were too small to sit or lay down only being able to stand you feel crushed. They would hang the men from their hands on poles being unable to touch the ground. We were even able to identify the cells that were specialized for people such as the religious prisoners. They had a portable alter one of the cells that was used.
The crematorium was disturbing. We had the chance to walk through the gas chambers where many of the mass murders took place and see the stations where people were hanged and cremated. It's unbelievable that someone could do that to another human. Learning about the history and hearing stories is one thing, but to walk through where mass murders took place was a crazy experience. It makes you sick to think people were that messed up in the head. It started to make me mad. Your emotions start going and you think what would I do if I were in the camp? Would I stand up or sit down to watch things happen? Would I hold on or let go? I have a whole new respect for the people who stood up to the Nazi's and died for what they believed in. The camp really made me think about my own faith and what I believe in. The experience was mind blowing.
The history books should talk more about the resistance and give people the respect they deserve. I can't put into too many words what I seen today because you can't really talk about it. You need to see it yourself.
Aloha
The prison had a number of cells. There were descriptions of officers who were known for their cruelty, punishment/torture, and a pure vision of the tiny cells. I felt so uncomfortable walking through the building. When you read how they tortured the prisoners like putting them in cells that were too small to sit or lay down only being able to stand you feel crushed. They would hang the men from their hands on poles being unable to touch the ground. We were even able to identify the cells that were specialized for people such as the religious prisoners. They had a portable alter one of the cells that was used.
The crematorium was disturbing. We had the chance to walk through the gas chambers where many of the mass murders took place and see the stations where people were hanged and cremated. It's unbelievable that someone could do that to another human. Learning about the history and hearing stories is one thing, but to walk through where mass murders took place was a crazy experience. It makes you sick to think people were that messed up in the head. It started to make me mad. Your emotions start going and you think what would I do if I were in the camp? Would I stand up or sit down to watch things happen? Would I hold on or let go? I have a whole new respect for the people who stood up to the Nazi's and died for what they believed in. The camp really made me think about my own faith and what I believe in. The experience was mind blowing.
The history books should talk more about the resistance and give people the respect they deserve. I can't put into too many words what I seen today because you can't really talk about it. You need to see it yourself.
Aloha
Tour of Munich
We got to tour Munich yesterday and I must say that our tour guide was excellent. She was able to answer multiple questions and give us detailed information on everything around us. A significant difference between Berlin and Munich that I noticed were the symbols such as the bear and monk. The symbols told a lot of the history of the city like the resistance of the church in Munich or the bear symbolizing the strength of the capital. In Munich, there are many churches and it seems as people here have a religious focus. Berlin seemed to have been a typical city kind of like New York. After the tour in Munich, it seemed as if the royal family had a greater influence in Munich than Berlin. The October Fest started in Munich and is great part of German culture because of the royal wedding celebration that created the festival. There are many more pubs and breweries in our area in Munich than there was in Berlin. This could have been due to the division of the East and West in the center of Berlin that could created a lack of diverse breweries in Berlin.
I really enjoyed learning about the resistance during the war and religious people involved. I never heard of the resistance during the war so its always interesting to here stories about them. It was even more interesting to hear about the Nazi movement beginning in Munich and how lives were lost from both parties (Nazi and police) during the Nazi march. The city has so much history behind it and really has contributed a lot to the German culture.
Aloha
I really enjoyed learning about the resistance during the war and religious people involved. I never heard of the resistance during the war so its always interesting to here stories about them. It was even more interesting to hear about the Nazi movement beginning in Munich and how lives were lost from both parties (Nazi and police) during the Nazi march. The city has so much history behind it and really has contributed a lot to the German culture.
Aloha
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2 Days Late...
Leipzig was an awesome day trip! We were able to try Gose and experience the brewery that manufacturers Sternburg (the American PBR). Gose was one of my favorite beverages to try. It was sour and refreshing. We tried Gose at two different places. The first place was really good and the second place served Gose that was really salty. I understand that Gose is supposed to have a salty taste, but I prefer the sour refreshing taste. Trying the two different styles made the experience way more worth while.
The next day we were able to do a tasting at another brewery. I can't remember the names because I can't pronounce the names of the breweries, but I have pictures of the names :). We got an excellent tour that gave me a visually of the actually brewing process. The brewery was the largest in Berlin. We were able to try their different beers and really get a good sense of different taste that the brewery produce.
Today, we landed in Munich and so far its been great. Its definitely a different scene from where we were in Berlin. We got to see a few sights and taste some great food. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week to come and the breweries we get to see!
PROST!
The next day we were able to do a tasting at another brewery. I can't remember the names because I can't pronounce the names of the breweries, but I have pictures of the names :). We got an excellent tour that gave me a visually of the actually brewing process. The brewery was the largest in Berlin. We were able to try their different beers and really get a good sense of different taste that the brewery produce.
Today, we landed in Munich and so far its been great. Its definitely a different scene from where we were in Berlin. We got to see a few sights and taste some great food. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week to come and the breweries we get to see!
PROST!
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