Weihnachtsbier is traditionally brewed with the first malt and hops of the harvest. It should be tapped before the first Sunday of Advent, in late October or early November, and ideally it should last until the end of December.
After a day browsing the freezing outdoor markets of Germany during November and December for all kinds of Christmas gifts, food and decorations, a warming, restorative, somewhat alcoholic beer is just what you might be looking for. Being a dark, malty beer, this is one that goes well with most kinds of food, especially sweet Christmas treats.
After the excesses of Oktoberfest you’d think folks would want a respite from John Barleycorn but Germany is a country with a deserved reputation for beer consumption, and German beer is generally good beer. Very good beer.
Jim Hughes, Head Beer Nerd, Alamo South Lamar
“If I had all the money I’ve spent on drink… I’d spend it on drink.” ~ Sir Henry Rawlinson
About the Author: Growing up in London, Jim spent several years on the customer side of the bar enjoying everything about British pub culture. He is now head bartender at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar and has been pouring beer there since it opened in March 2005.
