The history of beer
Formerly, in the Middle Ages, beer was brewed during the winter months. The fermentation process, which converts sugar into carbon dioxide and alcohol, works best at lower temperatures. The higher the temperature, the slower this process goes and the worse the flavour becomes. With the invention of the chiller in 1835, a change took place within beer brewing. In 1873, a chiller was launched specifically for brewers. This allowed lager - the most brewed beer at the time - to be brewed all year round, not just in the winter months.
From Sylvester to Brand Winterbock
In 1984, Brand launched a seasonal beer for winter, Brand Sylvester. This was Brand's first top-fermenting beer.
With top fermentation, the fermentation process takes place at higher temperatures (12 to 35 degrees) and the yeast remains floating on top. It is a more difficult process to control, but does allow for more variation with flavours and additions. In Brand's Winterbock, this allows the typical aromas of fruit and sweet spices to come into their own.
Since winter 2021, Brand Sylvester has been renamed Brand Winterbock.
The Brand Winterbock is a delicious beer for the cold months. Powerful yet fresh. It is best drunk from the Brand Diamond glass. This glass is most suitable for top-fermenting beers.
History of Spring Bock
Brewing beer in the warmer months was not possible because of the poor fermentation process. But when do you crave a beer more than in summer? Therefore, beer that was extra strong was brewed at the end of the brewing season. The high alcohol content meant the beer kept longer and could be drunk in summer. Today, we know this as spring beer, or spring bock. It is a light-coloured and fresh counterpart to other seasonal beers, such as autumn beer that is dark and bittersweet.
The Brand Lentebock is a fruity and fresh companion beer. It is brewed with a special blend of malts and top fermentation. This spring beer drinks best from the Brand Diamond glass.
How do you drink an autumn bock?
The pouring temperature of autumn bock is higher than that of lager and blonde beer, for example. If autumn bock is too cold, the aromas in the beer do not reach their full potential. Therefore, you should not serve an autumn bock straight from the fridge. Temperatures between 10 and 12 degrees are perfect.
Not only the pouring temperature, but also the glass in which the autumn beer is poured determines the flavour. Autumn beer tastes best when drunk from a round glass. The aromas can then be released properly.
Brand's Dubbelbock is characterised by double maturation. It has a slightly sweeter taste and ruby red colour. This makes this autumnal beer a pleasure to watch to drink.
You can perfectly pair the full flavours of autumn bock with a stew or goat cheese.
Weizenbier, white or does it mean something else?
Many people think that Weizenbier and witbier are the same thing, but this is not true. In translation, the word Weizen means 'wheat', not 'white'. The originally German beer is not named for its colour, but for the main ingredient of this summer beer.
Weizenbier consists of four ingredients: wheat, yeast, water and hops. Little (sometimes nothing) of the last ingredient is added, giving it a fruity taste instead of the typical bitter beer flavour. This therefore makes a Weizenbier a perfect summer beer!
Prefer no alcohol? Brand Weizen also comes in the 0.0% variant!
How do you drink Weizenbier?
Contrary to a bock beer, it is not important for the taste sensation of a Weizenbier what kind of glass it is drunk out of. In most cases, this summer beer is served on the terrace in a tall, slim glass.
Do you pour the beer yourself? Then hold the glass almost completely horizontal. The wheat quickly releases the carbon dioxide. While pouring, slowly turn the glass straighter and straighter.
Because Weizenbier is not bitter, this summer beer goes well with fresh summer dishes and salads. But Weizenbier also goes well with a piece of fruit! Brand Weizen is traditional beer according to Bavarian recipe with a firm head and fruity and airy flavours.
Drinking Beer of the Moment at Olle Stee
Would you like to try one of these delicious beers? Then come to Olle Stee in Zuidlaren (Drenthe). On our sun-drenched terrace or in the cosy café, you can enjoy the seasonal Brand beers we have on tap.
In the months of December, January and February, we serve Brand Winterbock.
In the months of March, April and May, we serve Brand Lentebock.
In the months of June, July and August, we serve Brand Weizen. (We have Brand Weizen on tap all year round).
In the months of September, October and November, we serve Brand Dubbelbock.
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