Best Eastern German Beverage Types
Gose is a German beer style that is usually brewed with the addition of salt, and it is traditionally spiced with coriander. It is characterized by medium sourness, malt and yeast aromas, as well as fruity and salty nuances. It is not known when the style was created, but evidence suggests it was already familiar in the 15th century.
Although the style originated in Goslar, in the 18th century, it became a mainstay in Leipzig, where the brewers started producing it, and where it eventually found its spiritual home. Throughout the 19th century, the style was incredibly popular, and Leipzig was even dubbed as the Gose city.
THE BEST Gose Ales
Berliner Weisse is a wheat beer that is characterized by low alcohol content, sour flavor, and a light body. Most representatives of the style are soured with the use of lactic acid bacteria, which gives the beer its specific funky, tart, and fizzy character.
The origin of Berliner Weisse is unclear. Although there are several theories explaining its origin, the most probable claims that the style evolved from the now-extinct Breyhan or Broyhan beer from Hannover. Weisse was especially popular in the 19th century, and it is even said that when Napoleon encountered this beer style in Germany, he named it the Champagne of the north.
THE BEST Berliner Weisse Ales
Fassbrause is a German drink made from fruit, spices, and malt extract. It was invented in Berlin in 1908 by a German chemist Ludwig Scholvin as a non-alcoholic beer substitute for his son. In color, it strongly resembles a beer, with a sweet apple flavor.
Depending on the brand, fassbrause can be both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. The literal translation of the name means keg soda which is also the traditional way of storing it.
Berliner Luft is a popular peppermint liqueur that originates from Berlin, Germany. This clear schnapps is characterized by a refreshing and sharp peppermint flavor, which often leaves a cool feeling in the mouth.
Berliner Luft has grown in popularity both in and outside of Germany, and it's often consumed as a shot after meals or as part of various cocktails. The peppermint flavor makes it an ideal digestif, as it can feel quite refreshing after a hearty meal.
Lichtenheiner is a historical wheat beer that originated in Lichtenhain, Thüringen. It is a refreshing, smoked, and moderately sour style that was at its peak during the 19th century. The beer is low in alcohol, typically around 4%ABV, and usually has moderate acidity.
Lichtenheiner is a light to medium-bodied beer with relatively high carbonation. Their color ranges from bright yellow to light golden. The flavor is complex, with low bitterness and fruity and smoky character. The aroma is similar to the palate and has distinctive smoky notes along with fruity and bready nuances.
Aromatique is a German spice liqueur that dates back to 1828 when it was first conceived by a pharmacist Daniel Thraen. The base of the liqueur is the essence of carefully selected spices that is oak-aged for a year before it is bottled at 40% ABV.
Although the drink was manufactured by numerous brands, today it is almost synonymous with Kramer's Aromatique, which is produced following a secret recipe dating back to 1876. Praised for its perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and bitterness, it is best served neat, preferably at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Best Eastern German Beverage Producers
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST Saltwater's Spirits
JJ's Manöverschluck is a premium spirit brand from Hamburg, Germany, crafted by sailors for sailors and maritime enthusiasts. The brand offers a range of award-winning spirits, including rums sourced from Jamaica, Panama, Antigua, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, as well as Tennessee bourbon and whiskey.
Each variant is uniquely flavored: the Jamaica rum is enhanced with sun-ripened tangerines and butterscotch, while the Panama & Antigua blend features Bourbon vanilla and a hint of sea salt. The concept of JJ's Manöverschluck was born during a sailing trip, aiming to create a spirit that captures the essence of maritime adventures.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
European Spirits Challenge - Silver
2024
BEST JJs Manöverschluck Spirits
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2019
BEST Berliner Brandstifter GmbH Spirits
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2019
BEST Kakuzo GmbH Spirits
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2021
BEST Hessiche spezialitäten brennerei Behlen Spirits
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
BEST Braumanufaktur Tobias Frenzel Beers
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
BEST Funky Forelle GbR Beers
AWARDS
The World Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2021, 2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2019
BEST Spreewood Distillers Spirits
AWARDS
Untappd - 4.5
BEST Burley Oak Brewing Company Beers
Best Eastern German Beverages
The Crew Only 8-Year Rum by Saltwater’s is an expertly crafted blend, aged for eight years and sourced from rum-producing regions like Trinidad, Panama, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and Spain. It captures the spirit of adventure with a balanced sweetness and complexity, ideal for sipping or mixing.
This 40% ABV rum has received multiple gold awards, highlighting its premium quality.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
JJ's Manöverschluck Panama & Antigua is a premium sailor's spirit that blends soft Panama rum with a touch of rum from Antigua, the sailor's paradise. Enhanced with real Bourbon vanilla and a pinch of sea salt, it offers complex flavor notes of vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate.
Bottled at 40% ABV, this spirit is ideal for maritime enthusiasts and makes a thoughtful gift for sailors. The vibrant green bottle is designed to resemble a starboard buoy, featuring a logo that abstractly represents a sailing maneuver. The cork pays homage to classic wooden boats, and the water-resistant cotton label adds a nautical touch.
AWARDS
European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2019
AWARDS
The Gin Masters – Second Tasting - Master
2022
Beer
Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei GmbH Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei Gmbh - Köstritzer Meisterwerke Pale Ale
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2021
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
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