Holsten beer: history, overview of types + interesting facts
Holsten beer is one of the few beverages that can boast of truly German quality. This brand originated in Germany, where, however, the largest breweries are still located to this day.
Over time, Holsten has gained worldwide popularity, and therefore can be found on the shelves of almost any supermarket.
By the way, the first foreigners to appreciate the new brand of beer were the British - it was in foggy Albion that the first foreign branch of the brand was opened.
Brand history and production specifics
The city of Hamburg is commonly considered to be the birthplace of Holsten beer, although this is not entirely true: the very first time this drink was made in Elbe (Altona), and only then the brewery was moved to Hamburg.
It happened in 1879, which is considered the official date of birth of the intoxicating drink.
Over time, the analog of Bavarian hops gained popularity throughout Germany, and in 1901 it went abroad (to England).
During the Second World War, many German production facilities were put out of action, and therefore beer received a new round of development only in the 90s, when the company's management began selling the product in Poland, Hungary and China.
The meticulous Germans are particularly attentive to the quality of their main national drink: the recipe for Holsten, developed in 1879, has not been changed to this day - it contains only water, malt and hops.
By the way, the coat of arms depicting a riding crusader knight remained unchanged.
Types of Holsten beer
Holsten Pilsener
The drink has a bitter and refreshing character. It is produced by cold fermentation and is an example of what a German pilsner should be. Strength 4.9%.
Holsten Edel
Sweet beer, has a clear light golden color with a medium foamy head.
The aroma is malt and hops. The taste is a mixture of malt and light noble hops. Strength 4.9%.
Holsten Extra Herb
The double addition of hops at the beginning and end of the brewing process gives this beer a special herbal, fresh flavor. Strength 5%.
Holsten Export
The serious beer has a characteristic and full-bodied malt flavor, brewed from high-quality ingredients in accordance with the German beer law. The strength is 5.2%.
Interesting facts
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The name of Holsten beer comes from the "forest dweller". "Holsten" was the name given by the ancient Saxons to the people inhabiting the forests of Hamburg.
The brewers named their drink in honor of the brave warriors, considering this name to be a perfect fit for their product.
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The letter "H", depicted on the brand's coat of arms (or rather, on the knight's shield), stands for more than just the Holsten beer itself.
It also symbolizes the triumph of justice, which was personified by the knight Holstein, sitting on a faithful horse.
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At the end of the Second World War (1945), more than a hundred bombs fell on the Hamburg brewery.
The equipment was almost completely destroyed, and its restoration required enormous resources, which the company did not have.
It was because of this bombing that beer production was frozen until the sixties of the twentieth century.
Update: 07.01.2020
Category: Beer, Cider, Ale