Best North Rhine-Westphalian Alcoholic Beverage Types
Altbier, meaning old beer, is a German beer style which originated in Düsseldorf. The style falls somewhere between a lager and an ale—the beers are fermented warm like ales but are then aged cool like lagers. The name altbier, which originated in the 1880s, refers to the traditional brewing process of using top-fermenting yeasts.
The name arose to distinguish traditional brews from the new lagers that were mainly produced in Bavaria. Before that, it was simply known as bier. These full-bodied beers are typically malty, clean and crisp, while their color may range from copper to amber.
THE BEST Altbier Hybrid Beers
Kölsch (the Low German name for Cologne) is a specialty beer brewed only in Cologne. A document known as the Kölsch Convention was signed in 1986 by the directors of two dozen Kölsch breweries, ensuring that Kölsch beer can only be brewed in Cologne and its surrounding area, and nowhere else in the world.
The guidelines stipulated that Kölsch is not only a type of beer, but also a designation of origin. They specify that true Kölsch beer is a pale yellow, clear, highly fermented, fully-rounded ale, brewed according to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516.
THE BEST Kölsch Hybrid Beers
Dortmunder Export is a German beer style that was first brewed in the late 19th century. Named after the city where it originated, this beer style was modeled on pilsners, and it was primarily invented as a thirst-quenching brew for local industrial workers.
Dortmunder is a pale and clear lager that has a bitter base and a good balance of malty sweetness and hop flavors. These beers come off smooth and malty, but at the same time, they remain crisp, easy-drinking, and refreshing. They typically range from 5 to 6% ABV.
This beer is a symbol of Dortmund and has always been made from carefully selected ingredients. The beginning of brewing in Dortmund dates back to 1293, and throughout history, these beers were exported around the world. Dortmund beer is now produced by Dortmunder Actien Brauerei (DAB), which was founded in 1868, and it is exclusively made with Dortmund water and under German Purity Law.
Main beer styles include Export, Pilsener, light beer, and dark top-fermented Altbier.
Killepitsch is a German herbal liqueur (kräuterlikör) that is made with 98 different herbs and spices. The drink has been produced since 1858 by the Busch family from Düsseldorf, and the original recipe is still kept secret.
Killepitsch is a rich and smooth dark red liqueur that is characterized by bittersweet flavor and aromas of dried fruit and warming spices. It is best served well chilled, and it is mostly enjoyed as a digestif. Killepitsch is bottled at 42% ABV.
This German herbal liqueur is produced with the aromatic extraction of 43 herbs that results in an amber-colored, herbal drink, with notes of spices and licorice. The base is then aged in oak casks before it is adjusted with fresh spring water to reach the 44% ABV. Underberg is still produced following the original recipe, which dates back to 1851 and is only known by the members of Underberg family.
The drink is traditionally enjoyed as a digestif, typically served in the signature tall glasses. It is sold in copyrighted 20ml bottles that are wrapped in straw paper.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Altbierbowle is a beer-based mixed drink that hails from Germany. The drink combines beer, fruit syrup, and fruit. Although it resembles a punch bowl, this German specialty is made with altbier—a traditional German beer style from Düsseldorf that falls somewhere between a lager and an ale.
To make the drink, altbier is poured into a bowl. It is then mixed with fruit syrups and sliced fruit. Traditionally, it is made with strawberries and raspberries, but variations can include various fruits. Altbierbowle is usually associated with North Rhine-Westphalia, a region where altbier also originated.
Bärenjäger is a honey liqueur that hails from Germany. The recipe, which remains secret, is based on an old formula dating back to the 18th century. The liqueur is made with a combination of grain spirit and honey, with additional secret ingredients.
The resulting drink is golden-colored and sweet, without being cloying. The aroma is herbal and spicy, while the finish is long. It is bottled at 35%ABV (70 proof). Bärenjäger can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It also makes a great ingredient in cocktails and long drinks.
Often classified as a type of gin, Steinhäger is a juniper-flavored spirit produced in Westaphalian Steinhagen municipality. It is produced from grain spirit, juniper berries, and wacholderlutter—fermented mash made from juniper berries.
This spirit is clear and colorless and has a subtle juniper flavor. The minimum alcohol content is 30% ABV, but it is mainly bottled at 38% ABV, as then it can be classified as gin. Traditionally, Steinhäger is bottled in brown stoneware bottles known as a Kruke or Betonbuddel, but other materials can also be used.
Best North Rhine-Westphalian Alcoholic Beverage Producers
Franz Fies Schwarzwälder Edelobstbrennerei, founded in 1948 by Franz and Elise Fies, is a family-owned distillery located in Oberkirch-Ringelbach, in the heart of the sun-kissed Ortenau region of Germany's Black Forest. The distillery specializes in crafting premium fruit brandies and liqueurs, utilizing traditional methods to transform locally sourced fruits into high-quality spirits.
Their product range includes the "Original Fies" line of fruit brandies, the "CHRONUM" series, and the "MOMENTUM" collection, each offering unique flavor profiles that reflect the rich heritage of the Black Forest. Committed to excellence, the distillery is certified according to the International Food Standard (IFS), ensuring that each bottle meets rigorous quality standards.
AWARDS
European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023
European Spirits Challenge - Silver
2023
BEST Franz Fies Schwarzwälder Edelobstbrennerei Spirits
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
BEST Brauprojekt 777 Beers
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
BEST Braumanufaktur Bonekamp GmbH Beers
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy
2020
BEST UNIQUE LIQUIDS GmbH Spirits
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2019
BEST Skiclub Kampen GmbH Spirits
AWARDS
The Vodka Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Knastträne Wodka Spirits
Sauerländer Edelbrennerei is a renowned distillery located in the scenic region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Known for its artisanal approach, the distillery produces high-quality spirits, including gin, whisky, and fruit brandies. Using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distillation methods, Sauerländer Edelbrennerei emphasizes craftsmanship and sustainability.
Their products reflect the purity of the Sauerland region, with a focus on natural flavors and meticulous attention to detail, making them a standout in both national and international markets.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023
BEST Krupp & Goebel GbR Spirits
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