Description
The Kulmbacher Bier PGI is a beer obtained with malt, hop, water and yeast.
Production Area
The production area of the Kulmbacher Bier PGI is within the administrative borders of the town of Kulmbach, in federal state of Bavaria.
Production Method
The first stage of the processing consists in mixing water with the malt, blending accurately and then adding the hop. The mixture obtained is brought to boil and after that is submitted to cooling. Then the yeast is added to the cool mixture, which provokes the sugar fermentation. Depending on the duration of this process, several varieties of beer can be obtained.
Appearance and Flavour
The appearance of the Kulmbacher Bier PGI changes according to the variety. It can be pale, golden and dark. The flavour also varies from mild to slightly bitter, up until the sharp flavour of the darker variety.
History
The origins of the Kulmbacher Bier PGI date back to the 19th century. Its production started due to the "brewer masters" Johann Wolfgang Reichel, Johann Konrad Scheiding and Johann Martin Hübner, who formed a beer brewing company in 1846, sanctioning the birth of the Kulmbacher beer.
Gastronomy
In order to maintain its characteristics unaltered, the beer should be kept in a cool yet not cold place, away from direct light sources, which modify the aroma and flavour, and at a constant temperature. It is recommended to cool it in the refrigerator or, however, to keep it at lower temperatures only before serving it. Once opened, it is recommendable to consume the beer within a short period of time, since contact with the air causes oxidation. It is a perfect match with tasty first courses and grilled meat, but it is also excellent with quiches and with fresh cheeses, given its pleasant savouriness. It goes well with shortcrust pastry, with apple strudel and fruit jam tarts.
Marketing
The product is sold as Kulmbacher Bier PGI, in the following varieties: Gold (pale); Eisbock; Alkoholfrei (alcohol-free); Export (amber); Leicht; Lager Hell; Festbier; Feinmild; Edelherb; Radler mit Limette. It is marketed in glass bottles in the following packaging: Gold of 0.33 l (six pack); Eisbock of 0.33 l (six pack); Alkoholfrei of 0.33 l and 0.5 l; Export of 0.33 l and 0.5 l; Leicht of 0.5 l; Lager Hell of 0.5 l; Festbier of 0.5 l; Feinmild of 0.5 l; Edelherb of 0.33 l (six pack) or 0.5 l; Radler mit Limette of 0.5 l.
Distinctive Features
All types of Kulmbacher are produced strictly respecting the directives of the "Law of beer genuineness", the oldest food law in the world still effective today, proclaimed in 1516. Since then and up until the present day, the Kulmbacher Bier PGI does not contain additives (such as sugar, rice or maize) or preservatives, and is only produced with barley or wheat malted, hop and water.
