What is a Kellerbier?

Also known as Zwickelbier, Kellerbier is a German-style lager beer, and one of its main characteristics is that it is served unfiltered and not entirely fermented.

Everything You Need to Know About the Kellerbier Beer Style

Derived from the German "Kellerbier," which means cellar beer, this beer style descends from traditional German lagers and an ancient artisanal brewing method. It refers to all beers stored in a cool cellar, with fermentation not being completely finished. Through this brewing technique, brewers achieve a hazy beer with yeast particles in suspension, resulting in a richer, rounder, and generally less "clean" taste compared to fully fermented lagers. The carbonation content is also reduced, making it a more enjoyable beer to drink. Historically, Kellerbier is served unfiltered, young, and fresh, directly from the barrel in neighborhood taverns in Germany.

Originating from Bavaria, specifically Franconia, the creation of Kellerbier dates back to the second half of the Middle Ages. In the absence of refrigeration technology, brewers brewed their beer during the coldest months of the year and allowed it to ferment in caves. These caves served as natural cellars, keeping the beer at a stable and cool temperature throughout its slow maturation process. Today, Kellerbier has not lost its popularity and can still be found in some beer gardens in Germany. It is traditionally served in a one-liter stoneware mug during popular festivals.

Different Types of Kellerbier

According to the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), there are two types of Kellerbier: Pale Kellerbier and Amber Kellerbier. Pale Kellerbier resembles an unfiltered Munich Helles, while Amber Kellerbier is closer in colour and flavour to unfiltered Märzens with a lower alcohol content.

How to Enjoy Kellerbier Beer

Naturally brewed at cold temperatures, Kellerbier is best enjoyed when served very cold, at a temperature of around 3-5°C. You can drink it in a one-liter beer mug to uphold Bavarian traditions.

Ideal for outdoor barbecues and easy to pair with almost any dish, from kebabs to hamburgers and sandwiches. However, for a truly German experience or to stay true to its regional cuisine, you can pair Kellerbier with a pretzel or a roast pork in sauce. While Kellerbier brings a certain malty sweetness to the palate along with toasted bread notes and a slight bitterness, these dishes add a salty touch that enhances the flavors on your palate.

Discover Franziskaner Kellerbier on PerfectDraft

If this introduction to Kellerbier has got you chomping at the bit for trying Kellerbier, you don't need to worry as Franziskaner Kellerbier has just launched on PerfectDraft!

Brewed by the Franziskaner Spaten Brau brewery, Franziskaner Kellerbier is an unfiltered, naturally hazy beer known for its amber color and velvety, full-bodied flavors. It is produced in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516, which restricts brewers to a limited list of ingredients, including water, hops, barley malt, and yeast.

Franziskaner Kellerbier is the result of a traditional and artisanal brewing process. It has been stored in a cool cellar and then kegged without filtration, giving it a naturally hazy and cloudy appearance. This method also reduces the carbonation content, resulting in a pleasant, low level of carbonation. The choice of ingredients is also very meticulous. The yeast imparts a very smooth, round, and slightly spicy flavor to the beer, while Hallertau hops give the beer a slightly fruity aroma with a subtle hint of bitterness. Its malty flavors combine perfectly, leaving a sense of freshness and balance in your mouth.

So, what are you waiting for?! Grab a keg of Franziskaner Kellerbier now and discover a whole new world of flavour!

Grab a Kellerbier