World Centers for Beer

Too many places around the world claim to be the "beer capital for them all to be right. There is no way they can all be right is there? This is a quick look at just some of the contenders.

Let's look first at our very own Milwaukee. Milwaukee is where well known brands like Miller, Schlitz, Pabst, and others got their start. In itself this seems a good reason for the city to claim at least the historical title.

In Germany, Munich has been a brewing center for centuries and also has Oktoberfest. The festival we call Oktoberfest began as a royal marriage celebration. Although we call it "Oktoberfest" the festival really begins the next to last Sunday of September and only runs a week into October. All fourteen of Munich's breweries set up hospitality tents to serve their delicious product. An international trade show, "Drinktec", is held once every four years to coincide with Oktoberfest.

Other European locations like Prague, Czech Republic, also have festivals celebrating their beer brewing prowess. The claim from the brewers in the region that theirs are the best hops in the world has some truth."Budvar" is probably the best know Czech beer and the name translates to "Budweiser".While the names are the same, there is no connection between the two breweries. The Czech's also brew the original Pilsner beer in the town of Plzen.Lesser know Czech brands are Staropramen, Brank, Kelt, and Velvet.

Just outside of Brussels, Belgium is the small town of Leuvan that also claims the title. The town has been the home of "Stella Artios" brand since 1366.Their beer festival is held just once every five years. Next scheduled to be held in 2013, this festival likes to take its time!

Back here at home Portland, Oregon also claims the title. Portland is home to a large number of microbreweries, most of whom have been around less than 20 years. Despite not being around for much more than a few years, these local breweries have a very loyal following.

Another US location you might not equate with having a widespread beer culture is San Diego, California but they do. Would you believe that San Diego County has more than 30 microbreweries all proudly selling their product to an appreciative public? As is fitting, the city sponsors its own beer festival. San Diego's festival is much more modest, lasting just a single evening once a year. This year festival organizers have added to the fun by expanding the festival from a single evening to a full week.

Other locations with solid traditions of locally brewed beer are Austin, Texas and Chicago. Everywhere there are breweries and especially microbreweries, there is a local loyal population who support them with pride.

If you are a beer lover, and I'll bet you are, you don't have to go too far or spend a lot to taste some of the best beer in the world, no matter where you are!

Please visit Brew Beer Today for more about beer.