Liquid Gold

Welcome to the unofficial Beer Capital of the World! Germany is the world’s largest producer (and consumer) of beer with almost 1300 breweries. In Munich, beer is more than a beverage; it’s a way of life. In fact, the name Munchen is a derivation of “home of the monks,” which is where most of the beer producing found its roots as long as 1000 years ago. In 1516, Munich created the Beer Purity Law that sticks to this day, forbidding the use of any ingredients beyond hops, barley and water (The wheat beers like the Weiss beer in this photo are an exception). Today, the “Big Six” breweries produce 123 million gallons annually, locals flock to more than 180 beer gardens, and more than 6 million people visit Octoberfest. For an American now living in Munich, the amount of people drinking beer at 9 am, is equally as astounding as how few people you see out of control from drinking. At 5% alcohol, Bavarian beer is as strong as most European beer. It’s a good thing public transit is so good.