Description
The Reuther Bier PGI is a beer exclusively produced with water, malt, hop and yeast.
Production Area
The production area of the Reuther Bier PGI is in the surroundings of Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) in the federal state of Bavaria.
Production Method
The processing starts with the malt that is drawn from the barley through a germination process, followed by a drying procedure. Once ground, warm water is added to the malt and mixed for approximately 90 minutes. Hop is added to the obtained mixture and, after accurate blending, it is brought to a controlled temperature and maintained for approximately 80 minutes. The last production stage includes the cooling of the mixture and the addition of yeast, which triggers the fermentation process. The fermentation develops in special tanks and extends for seven days. After refinement, the final product reaches an alcoholic content ranging from 4.8 to 5.3% ABV.
Appearance and Flavour
The Reuther Bier PGI is produced in five varieties, which determine the different appearance and flavour characteristics. The Lagerbier has a straw yellow colour, a slight hop aroma, a flavour that is full, pleasant and harmonious, with a fleeting bitter touch of hop. The Schloß-Pils also has a straw yellow colour and a full and pleasant taste. The Weißbier has a yellow colour, a full, delicate and agreeably acidulous, sourish flavour, typical of top-fermenting beers, with a pleasant bitter hop taste. Finally, the Spezial has a typically brown colour, with malt aroma and a flavour that is full, smooth, and agreeable, with a middle taste of hop and a fleeting bitter touch.
History
The only production house of the Reuther Bier PGI exists since 1742. The beer has been brewed for over 500 years, even if initially only for own consumption. Only local raw materials are used for this beer, starting from the water originating from a spring called "Artesia", which is also used for a large number of other beverages.
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. The Reuther Bier PGI is best appreciated when cool; the combinations vary according to the type of beer chosen. Not to be missed is the Weissbier enjoyed with sauerkraut and wurst, which is excellent and also much appreciated for its great thirst-quenching and digestive qualities.
Marketing
The product is sold as Reuther Bier PGI, in the varieties Lagerbier, Schloß-Pils, Weissbier and Spezial. It is marketed in glass bottles.
Distinctive Features
The water, a crucial element for the brewing of the Reuther Bier PGI, comes from the "Artesia" spring, known for at least 2,000 years, which flows in the depth of a terrain made of granite and stone. This element, along with barley and hop, which are also from the production area, contribute to lending the Reuther Bier PGI its special aromatic notes.
