Also known as Zwickelbier, Kellerbier is a traditional German bottom-fermented beer whose key characteristic is that it is served unfiltered and not fully fermented.
All you need to know about the Kellerbier style of beer
Derived from the German word “Kellerbier,” meaning cellar beer, this style originates from traditional German lagers and an ancestral artisanal brewing method. It encompasses all beers stored in cool cellars and which have not completed full fermentation. This brewing process results in a cloudy beer with suspended yeast particles, offering a richer, rounder mouthfeel and a taste that is typically less clean than that of fully matured lagers. It also contains less carbon dioxide, making it smoother and more enjoyable to drink. Historically, Kellerbier is served fresh and unfiltered, straight from the keg in local German taverns.
Originally from Bavaria, more specifically the Franconian region, Kellerbier was developed during the late Middle Ages. Before the advent of refrigeration, brewers produced beer during the cooler months and stored it in underground caves. These natural cellars maintained consistent, cool temperatures that were ideal for the slow maturation of the beer.
Today, Kellerbier remains popular and is still found in beer gardens across Germany. It is traditionally enjoyed in one-liter stoneware mugs at popular festivals and gatherings.
The different types of Kellerbier
According to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), there are two primary types of Kellerbier: Pale Kellerbier and Amber Kellerbier.
Pale Kellerbier is similar to an unfiltered Munich Helles, offering a light and smooth profile. Amber Kellerbier, on the other hand, shares characteristics with Märzen, featuring richer malt flavors and a slightly darker hue, while generally having a lower alcohol content.
How should Kellerbier be enjoyed?
Brewed at cold temperatures, Kellerbier is best served chilled, ideally between 3–5°C. For an authentic Bavarian experience, enjoy it in a traditional one-liter beer mug.
Kellerbier is a versatile pairing option for outdoor meals and barbecues. It complements a wide variety of dishes, including grilled meats, kebabs, burgers, and sandwiches. For a more regional pairing, try it with a warm pretzel or a traditional roast pork dish. On the palate, Kellerbier delivers malty sweetness with notes of toasted bread and a subtle bitterness. Savory dishes enhance the beer's character and add depth to the tasting experience.
Discover Franziskaner Kellerbier in PerfectDraft beer glasses
If this description of Kellerbier has piqued your curiosity, try the PerfectDraft Franziskaner Kellerbier beer keg.
Crafted by the Franziskaner Spaten Brau brewery, this Kellerbier is unfiltered and naturally cloudy, featuring an amber hue and velvety, full-bodied flavors. It is brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516, which limits ingredients to water, hops, barley malt, and yeast.
Franziskaner Kellerbier undergoes a traditional brewing process and is matured in cool cellars before being bottled without filtration. This gives the beer its hazy appearance and soft carbonation. Careful selection of ingredients enhances the flavor profile: the yeast imparts a smooth, rounded, and mildly spicy character, while Hallertau hops contribute a delicate fruitiness and a refined bitterness. The resulting malty balance provides a refreshing and harmonious finish.
A true representative of its style, enjoy it on tap at home with your PerfectDraft beer dispenser.
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