Exploring Global Handcrafted Beverages in Germany.
There is something unique about craft drinks. You get to appreciate the hours that went into perfecting a recipe. The foraging of botanicals to get the perfect gin. The brewing, steeping, malting, fermenting, distilling…
I got an opportunty to travel to Germany last month for Prowein, a global Wines & Spirits showcase. My most memorable day was when I decided to learn about craft beverages.
Dusseldorf, Germany saw some of the biggest names in the handcrafted drink scene come together under one roof. Business deals were made by people in the Wines & Spirits trade. Producers had a chance to showcase their product line. Because this was a place where everyone put their best foot forward, we (consumers) got to try new expressions and products that have not hit our market. People from all markets were there.
Before Prowein (The global Wines and Spirits showcase aforementioned), every time I would hear of handcrafted beverages, I only thought of craft beer. I had not thought of handcrafted spirits or taken the time to explore what that was about.
Same But Different
During Prowein, the craft drink category had its own hall called the “Same But Different”. Just like the slogan, handcrafted beverages are made in their own special way. The reason why they are “Craft” is that they are made from sourced ingredients and in small batches.
Another thing that makes craft drinks special is the fact that they care about the consumer. They are made with passion and care. Non-craft drinks, on the other hand, are most times more concerned about the bottom line and how many bottles they are selling.
Gin
Among the things that impressed me was the craft gin. Gin is so diverse because you can make it with different types of botanicals and ingredients. For example, the juniper in Kenya will have a different flavour than that of the juniper from another region because of a variety of factors including climate, soils and terroir.
I got to try Niemand gin and Malfy’s gin. Niemand gin was very flowery and it was surprising how after a dash of tonic, everything opened up and the fresh flavours were so pronounced. The best way to enjoy it is with ice and garnished with a rosemary sprig or an apple slice.
Wine Beer
I also discovered that there was something like wine beer. A winery in Chile wanted to make something different and so they made a sparkling wine and flavoured with hops. Apart from mixing the ingredients, the processes also integrate. Surprisingly, it tasted great especially when chilled. The alcohol content was 9%.
Craft Cider
I did not know how big the craft cider industry was. I stumbled on Dan Kelly's cider who had the most crsip cider I have tasted. They had different expressions with different levels of sweetness, crispness, colour and even "cloudiness". They also custom make the cider depending on what the client wants.
More Cider!
There were also craft whiskeys, beer and aperitifs.
Packaging & Branding
More than anything I loved some of the bottling and designs. I am very visual and I love fonts and lettering. So when I see a great bottle, I will want to try what is inside. I loved the more modern fonts and colourful bottle designs. Below are some of my favourites.
Authored by @jeanwandimi
Photography by @jeanwandimi
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German beer is well known and popular all throughout the world. But the German beverage industry has more to offer than just beer! The German American Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the German Consulate General in New York cordially invites you to a tasting evening at the rooftop Restaurant of the German House on Monday, November 16th, 2015. Explore the culinary world of Germany's next alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage companies interested in expanding to the US.
The carefully selected innovative products will be presented to distributors, importers, brokers, retailers, restaurants and industry experts in the form of a networking reception, which will include a special tasting of the German beverages. This serves as an excellent opportunity for industry experts and businesses to exchange thoughts and ideas about the beverage markets in Germany and the US.
Hey thanks for the information. I also got to experience some of the wine via Wines of Germany and wrote about it earlier on @adsactly .
I wish I was able to make it for the event but I am in Kenya. However, this sounds like such an exciting event. I will definitely look it up.
Cheers!
German beer is the best beer in the world. thank you for this post.
craft beverages is awesome
That's right
Very awesome.
wow..!!! amazing nice taste
Thanks.
Germany is a nice country lot of things to explore over there
I fell in love with Germany.
That's really nice
Germany is known for their traditional cuisine around the world. The most well-known German cuisine is wurst, also known as German sausage. From Bratwurst to Weisswurst, German cuisine goes far beyond sausage. Many German dishes are rich, hearty, and make great comfort food.
Whether you’re studying abroad or traveling for fun, trying new foods is a great way to experience German culture. Here are a few of the most common dishes and beverages in Germany:
I agree 100%. I am from Kenya and when I traveled to Germany for the first time I fell in love. I got to try so many exciting dishes including the sausages and the meat too.
Now that you mention studying abroad, how is it in Germany for international students?
I really love the country and I hope to live there someday.
You are such an amazing person like you could go and travel around and then show your art. I am so excited that one day you will become famous in showcasing your craft.
Thanks for the lovely wishes. cheers!
wow very nice post
Awesome delivery in Germany what a great post with different wine I had love to have a taste
Thanks :)
Nice sharing of drinks. world class beverage, I like this. thanks for sharing with us. I Vote @adsactly-witness for Steem witness!
wow very excellent post
Excelente presentación los vinos son muy buenos, y mas cuando su maduración es mas larga,gracias por compartir.
that gin looks interesting, did you have it with lime?
We tried it with some Spanish tonic and an apple slice. So fresh and heavenly!
Genius is a great post, so you countless
Thank you so much for fun, funny writing. I'm a general steemit user. I want to follow the wonderful people like you. Please give me upvote and follow me.
Wow. What a great experience to have and I bet you felt really happy afterward.
This is the first time I hear of Wine Beer and I think that is really cool idea and I bet it will be if it's not yet, a very popular thing.
I loved that you shared this awesome experience with us, because I got to learn a lot.
Thanks @adsactly
yes I agree. Wine Beer also intrigued me. And the fact that it was sparkling wine was 2X better.
Wow! alcohol everywhere. That must be a very nice place :D
I had the time of my life.
Enjoyed your post - I was in Dusseldorf for EuroCIS work. Wish my job was in this line hahaha...
haha. How did you like Messe Dusseldorf? Such a cool place right?
good job @adsactly @arisviyo
That's great
Love this community " @adsactly-witness"
waw, it's so fun.
I also want to vacation there
It is such a cool place.
its seem to be great tasty
Very lovely photos! Colorful and sure delicious. I am sure that you a great experience and thank you for sharing these moments with us :)
You are welcome. Glad you liked it.
Wow cool...
Excellent post
Thanks
Steem power
Nice one @adsactly, actually traveling is part of of education. I do hope you have a nice time in Germany.
Thanks. I agree. I had such a fun week there.
“They chose "beer as soda pop." Craft brewers are "beer as wine.”
― Michael Jackson
I need to look that up.
Germany has got really cool beverages. maybe I could plan a trip there :)
Yes you should.
Great post from great man of our Time
Thanks so much for the kind words.
Correction: I am not a singer but a wine writer.
I love the adventures.
Cheers!