May 29, 2009: Bitburger

Orange County, California is such an insulated, closed off place that it has created several generations of natives who have no real perspective about the history of the world. Most of the buildings here are less than 50 years old at the most. 300 years ago when Europe was being reborn in an unprecedented period of art, music and general enlightenment, Southern California was still a dusty, inhospitable desert that bordered the cold waters of the Pacific. During the first and second world wars while ancient cities in Europe were be razed to the ground, the suburban enclaves of Los Angeles and San Diego and the vast expanse of Orange groves in between were beginning to swell with life and thrive. It's no wonder that so many people who have spent their entire life behind the so called "Orange Curtain" have no concept of the dessimation that Europe and Japan suffered during WWII.

One such place that remains a mystery to minds of many sheltered Americans is the German city of Bitburg. Although it wasn't among the more oppulent cities to nearly meet it's demise during the blitzkrieg of WWII, the town of Bitburg as 85% destroyed. The carnage was so devastating that the U.S. Military officially classified Bitburg as a "dead city" once the bombing had ended. Hundreds of years of civilization, culture and history had been destoyed forever in a single night. It seems impossible to imagine destruction of this magnitude for people who have lived relatively comfortable lives in the lap of luxury here in Southern California, but no one could deny the incredible success story of the Bitburger Brauerei. For any brewery to survive in a city that was virtually wiped from the face of the planet is impressive in and of itself, but to thrive and become one of Germany's most successful breweries is a remarkably astonishing feat. Having a clearer perspective of history can sometimes make a beer more enjoyable in my opinion, and I can appreciate what the brewers and citizens of Bitburg must have had to endure to keep brewing a beer to such high standards despite the major setbacks that surely came along with war.
Bitburger is great example of what a German pilsner should be, and sets the standard for many pilsners because of its overwhelming popularity both at home in Germany and abroad. Like all pilsners, Bitburger is a light, golden straw color with just a bit of transparency. Hints of wheat and fruit come out right away in the aroma, but are overpowered by the Saaz noble hops that are used to create Bitburger's classicly crisp and hoppy flavor. Bitburger feels pretty mellow on the palate, but those famous saaz hops seem to jump out every now and then and give the taste buds a little kick of bitterness. All in all, Bitburger is a pretty decent brew and a great choice for anyone who enjoys a refreshing German Pils.

Prost!
Ian

http://www.bitburger.de/