Jurgen! (Nerd!)

Bunsen burners and lab coats!

This week my classmates and I are strapping on our lab coats and safety glasses.  I may say we look like a bunch of smart folks.  We have started taking a closer look at the ingredients of beer and I can't explain how cool it is to be a nerd...a beer nerd that is.

I have brewed many different beers, using all sorts of malt, hops and yeasts but I have never taken the time to stop and think about what I am actually doing.  As a brewer I was more focused on the day to day aspects of brewing, ie the weight of malt being used in the mash, what hops need to be added to the boil, what tanks needed to be cleaned, etc. Now that I am student again I have been given the great opportunity to stand back and really understand every detail of  brewing.  There are so many different aspects to this trade that I have taken for granted.

Champagne Yeast

Microbiology is probably the most challenging and aw-inspiring class we are taking right now.  In lab this week we made slides of varying types of yeasts.  I was dumbfounded looking at these tiny unicellular organisms that make beer the wonderful thing that it is.  I found myself staring into the microscope and vocalizing my astonishment.  I was definitely getting some curious looks from the fella next to me.  I just thought it was so cool to see these living organisms and check out how they were doing.  It's great to spend a couple hours every week and actually look at our yeasty friends (yeasties always love it when I pay them a visit).

 So bring on the German jocks and meatheads.  I got my pocket protector for safety. I cut my waistband so they'll rip easier during an atomic wedgie and a swirlly might get all that grease out my hair.  Ja! I will embrace my inner nerd.  Jurgen!

Adapting to German Culture

Here are some aspects of German culture that I love.

1. Road Sodas.  Need I say more?  In Berlin (and I think most of Germany) you can drink on the street. There's no need to chug a beer before you step outside for fresh air, just bring the brew with you.  Everyday I see people drinking on the train after a long day of work, and I know my fellow classmates and I always like to enjoy a nice pilsner on a Friday afternoon after a long week of class. What a great way to unwind.  Don't get me wrong though.  Public drunkeness is not tolerated whatsoever but it seems this relaxed attitude towards alcohol in general has lead to a greater respect for our favorite fermented beverages. Respect Beer!

2. Mullets. I have seen some of the most epic mullets here.  Old ones, freshly cut ones, chick mullets, old dude mullets, curly mullets, and a mullet will always put a smile on my face.  Some of them are quite spectacular and seem to require a lot of care. Thats a lot of hairspray and time with the curling iron.

3. Health Care. Luckily I haven't had to visit a doctor yet but from talking to a few people I have only heard about fast and friendly medical attention (plus it's cheap about an 8 euro copay).  Also the pharmacy (die Apotheke) is awesome. Instead of having long aisles of every brand of cough medicine, at the Apotheke you tell the pharmacist what your ailment is and they will recommend the proper medicine.  So simple, so efficient, so German.

4. Relaxation. Despite their reputation as being strict and proper, I have found that most Berliners know how to have fun and relax (maybe this guy is a little too relaxed).  The nightlife here is diverse. You can find hopping night clubs, divey hipster bars, upscale cocktail bars, and everything in between.  There is also tons of day activities, famous museums, tranquil parks, and a world famous zoo.  Berliners definitely know how to have a good time.  

I also love the public transportation (always punctual and efficient), beer (some of the best lagers and wheat beers), monuments (which seem to be everywhere), dedicated bike lanes (they even have traffic lights especially for bikers), beer, pretzels (that go great with the beer), turkish food (amazing street food)..... did I mention the beer?  The list can go on and on.

Bis Bald!

My Favorite Sing Along

        I hope you found your inner child and sang along with Zheng Yi, I know I couldn't help myself.

         The Certified Brewmaster Course at VLB-Berlin is an international course.  For months I have been really eager to meet people from around our small world. On Monday morning I jaunted to my first class (I was a little late due to entering a hospital lobby instead of school) and sat down in my assigned seat.  I introduced myself to my neighbors, a Mexican and Spaniard.  As I talked to the Luis, from Las Palmas, Spain, I learned that he had just spent a month in Philadelphia as an apprentice with Andrew Rutherford (the man and brother of Paul Rutherford, my former Head Brewer).  I was astonished that I had to come all the way to Germany, a 6 hour time difference, to meet a brewer who knows some of my fellow bretheren.  Obviously we began exchanging our love for Philly, the brewing scene there, and how Tom Kehoe loves to eat.  On top of that I found out that 3 of the 7 Americans there were from my home state of Colorado.  We already had so much in common.

        Despite this familiarity, I am studying with people from all over the world.  The long list of countries being represented includes: Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Turkey, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Panama, Uzbekistan, Korea, Japan, Chile, Austria, Uganda, Mexico, USA, Spain, and the Ukraine.  We all have started to get to know each other and it seems everybody is very interested in learning about the beer culture in different societies, as you can expect can differentiate greatly.  Personally, I find myself spending more and more time with Brazillians.  They are loud, out going, and generally friendly people.  We talk about the differences and similarities in German weather, beer, and women (the latter being the most important).  So far this has already been an incredible experience and there is still much more ahead.  Tschus!

Mein erster Tag in Berlin

view from the balcony

          Hallo y'all!  So after a long trip with lots of anxiety and an extra 6 hours in London; I have made it to Berlin.  It is so amazing here; huge boulevards, a language I have only begun to learn, a great view, and yes you guessed it... beer.  Being a 20-something American male I obviously have priorities.  At the top was finding some lager, the main reason I have come to Germany.  Since I am so sentimental, the first 6-pack I bought here is made in Berlin.  The Berliner Pilsner is a clean, crisp, standard pilsner with a light body balanced well with slight hop bitterness.  I have enjoyed a couple of them leisurely, as I haven't started classes yet and I have some time on my hands.  I am starting to settle into my new home and trying to get to know my wonderful roommates, who are extremely nice and helping me with my understanding of German.  There is so much more to explore and beer to drink.  Thanks for stopping by my blog, I will keep it updated with all things Berlin and beer.  Auf Wiedersehen!