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What is Reinheitsgebot - The Legacy of the German Beer Purity Law
Translating to “purity law” the Reinheitsgebot is a law that dictated the ingredients, selling and brewing process which could be used in the production of German beers. Specifically, that beer can only ever be made using barley, hops and water, and nothing else. Reinheitsgebot is a testament to traditional brewing methods and the pursuit of quality that still resonates with brewers and beer lovers today. Here at Nirvana Brewery the heart of a number of our favourite beers come from Bavarian origins (based in the south east of modern Germany). Specifically our Helles Lager and Hefeweizen, so we thought it only right to put a blog together around what the Reinheitsgebot is and what it means for breweries – or specifically Nirvana Brewery – and the production of Beer. The Birth of the Reinheitsgebot The Reinheitsgebot was officially instituted over 500 years ago in 1516, by the Dukes Wilhelm IV and Ludwig X of Bavaria. However, as early as the 13th century, similar regulations were in place in various German cities. The 1516 law specifically had three aims; protecting drinkers from high prices, banning wheat in beer and ensuring that the only ingredients used in beer were barley, water, and hops. Yeast didn't make the list as its role in fermentation was not yet known but the law was eventually changed to permit malted grains, hops, water and yeast. Wheat beer like our Bavarian Hefeweizen (Directly translating as "yeast wheat") was limited for many years in Bavaria. Prioritising the use of wheat in bread production. The law itself, though coming into place in Bavaria in 1516, was only adopted by Northern Germany in the early 1900’s, wherein the whole of Germany’s beer production lives under this law. The Purpose of the Reinheitsgebot The Reinheitsgebot served both economic and health purposes. Economically, it prevented a clash between bakers and brewers by reserving wheat and rye for bread-making. Ensuring that the prices for these essential grains remained stable. This separation of resources prevented inflated bread prices due to competition. Health-wise, the law served as an early form of consumer protection. By restricting the ingredients in beer, it banned the use of cheaper and potentially harmful substitutes like soot or toxic herbs. Ensuring that the public could trust the quality and safety of their beer. The Modern Impact of the Reinheitsgebot In the present day the Reinheitsgebot is no longer law, due to a 1987 ruling by the European Court of Justice. Nevertheless, its legacy endures. Many German breweries still adhere to its tenets voluntarily, viewing it as a mark of quality, tradition, and purity. One that drinkers can not only see on a variety of German beer labels stating “Brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot" but also taste in the quality of the beer brewed according to this tradition. The Reinheitsgebot has become a part of Germany's brewing identity, contributing to the country's reputation as a producer of some of the world's finest beers. The Lasting Legacy The Reinheitsgebot has stood the test of time, its principles transcending its origins in law to become a symbol of quality and tradition in brewing. While the world of beer has expanded and evolved with new styles and brewing techniques, the core values - purity, quality, and tradition - continue to hold a revered place in the heart of the brewing industry. One that we here at Nirvana take very seriously. You’ll only ever find us using the best quality products and brewing methods for our beers. Quality that you can taste.
The growth of Alcohol-Free Beer
As we near the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on how the world of Alcohol-free has changed over the past year and its growth in the overall drinks market.
Why we love Bavarian Beers
If you’ve tasted any of our Bavarian brews, you’ll probably quite quickly see why we love them. But why Bavarian beers specifically? Well, allow us to explain...
How is Alcohol Free Beer Made?
There are a variety of different methods that can be used to make a beer alcohol-free. Here at Nirvana Brewery, we use at least three different methods for our different types of beer. We’ll be guiding you through our different methods and which beers are produced using each. So you can learn more about what you’re drinking 😉.
Celebrating Oktoberfest in the UK
We LOVE beer here at Nirvana Brewery. Live and breathe the stuff, quite literally. But when it gets close to Oktoberfest, we get a little jig in our steps and start counting down the days.
The landscape of No and Low Beer
The landscape of no and low brewing is vast and there are a variety of different ways in which different brands produce their no and low beers. In this blog we guide you through what other brands are offering and how we set ourselves apart from the rest here at Nirvana.
Why No and Low Beer is a Game-Changer for Diabetics
Living with diabetes doesn't mean you have to bid goodbye to the occasional beer. It's all about making smart choices, and that's where our No and Low Alcohol Beers step in.
Why 'Stoptober' when you can #STARTOBER with Nirvana
October is the most contradictory months for beer drinkers On one hand you have some of the large charities pushing the ‘Sober in October’ or ‘Stoptober’ message as a way of supporting a healthier lifestyle in the community and bolstering their coffers. We positively support building healthier communities. On the other hand, you have Oktoberfest appearing in the German and non-German bars all around, promoting the social benefits of drinking beer, in large stein glasses, dressing up and getting together with friends. At Nirvana Brewery we believe in being positive, so we are thinking differently and asking people to START something……start drinking our amazing beers. As a pioneer in the brewing of no / low beers we have spent years refining our product to taste great. We would always recommend getting together with friends, catching up, reminiscing, and drinking great alcohol-free beer – you can decide on whether dressing up is required…..😉 Our Helles lager is brewed to a traditional Bavarian recipe with Germanic Spring Barley and Noble hops, this gives amazing flavour, great nose, and fantastic mouthfeel – and that’s why it’s award winning! It is our Oktoberfest super brew. Switching to low / no alcohol beers will lower your calorie intake, reduce the amount of sugar you are consuming and allow you to enjoy the morning after as well as the night before. However, we believe that our beers taste great, and that’s enough reason to #STARTOBER with Nirvana. Nirvana Brewery Bringing Everyone Together.
Why hops are like Luna Lovegood, and fresh beer is important.
Whimsical, ethereal, subtle, inviting…. Hops are the magic in beer. They contribute bitterness to the sweetness of malt, and essential oils responsible for aroma and flavour. Hops help to keep beer fresher, longer and help beer retain its head of foam.
What Will the World Look Like, and Taste Like, Post-Alcohol?
Gen Z are drinking less than the generations that preceded them, and terms like “sober-curious” and “mindful drinking” are gaining popularity amongst millennials. The low- and no-alcohol industry is growing at pace, and there's a lot up for grabs
Alcohol, depression and anxiety
We know, hitting that post valentines high with a hammer... We’ve previously discussed the direct impact of alcohol on your sleep and athletic recovery, all starting to build a picture of the cycles that alcohol influences. This week we’ll dive into a self-perpetuating cycle, a flywheel driven by alcohol.
Valentines 2023: 14 ideas for the 14th!
Coming right off the back of Dry January, Valentines has consistently been a fun one for us at the brewery. So back for 2023, here’s the Nirvana team’s date ideas: Masterchef with a twist….
