Hefewein! The other cocktail.
Reading Eric Asimov Time’s article the other day on the hefewein,
I was reminded of trips to the Frankfurt am Main farmers' market and observing
the Germans having a beer with their brot and salami in the middle of the
morning. It turns out Hefewein is a low alcohol proof beer and in Germany is
regarded as “second breakfast”.
The backstory of this piece is that I have been intrigued by
two associates who brew their own beer. Their interest extends to growing hops,
acid wash of bottles, debate on the quality of water, where to find honey and
mead ….. and the list goes on.
The German Purity Law of 1516 (that is correct, 1516)
dictates the ingredients of German beer. If you investigate hefewein further
you will learn there is a difference between the “ hefewein” – unfiltered, “kristalwein”
– filtered, “Berliner weisse” – tart and sour, “dunkel weizen” – darker
version.
The extent of the number of beers, just from Germany alone, helps to explain my amazement of the beer menu at LaJolla-land’s pub
and restaurant, The Public House, recommended by Jason at the Empress Hotel. Great food, remarkable page
after page of beers and about 8 wines – few in number but really quality.
I have invested in a taste testing of 3 different German
brewers and types of beer and will be reporting on the taste testing with my
favorite date this Lexington Holliday weekend.
Accompanying a hefewein tasting, as is the custom in Europe
to serve food with any liquor, you may wish to have available a good brot,
salami, long white radishes, pretzels.
Beer cocktail.
Fat Tire Amber Ale with Wheat
Whiskey shot on the side.
Accompanied by fresh bread and radishes.
