The use of woodruff syrup in Berliner Weisse beer

Thursday, February 23, 2023
Berliner Weisse is a tart, sour beer style that originated in Berlin, Germany. It's typically low in alcohol content (3 - 5%) and highly carbonated, with a refreshing acidity that makes it a popular choice for summer drinking.

One unique aspect of Berliner Weisse is the addition of flavored syrups, which are used to balance out the beer's tartness and add a touch of sweetness. One of the most popular syrups used in Berliner Weisse is Woodruff syrup.

Woodruff syrup (schuss) is made by steeping the leaves of the sweet woodruff plant in a sugar syrup, creating a sweet, green-colored liquid with a distinct herbal flavor. When added to Berliner Weisse, it not only sweetens the beer but also imparts a floral, grassy flavor that complements the beer's sourness.

Woodruff syrup has a long history in Germany and is often associated with May Day celebrations, where it's used to flavor a traditional drink called "Maiwein." But it's also a popular addition to Berliner Weisse and can be found in many bars and breweries throughout Germany.

may day german berliner weisse


The exact origins of Berliner Weisse beer are unclear, but it's believed to have been first brewed in Berlin in the 16th or 17th century. 

At the time, beer was a staple beverage in Germany, but it was often heavy and malty, which didn't suit the hot, humid summers of Berlin.

To create a more refreshing beer, Berlin brewers began experimenting with souring techniques, which involved adding lactic acid bacteria to the wort (unfermented beer) before it was boiled. This process, known as kettle souring, produced a beer with a tart, acidic flavor that was highly effervescent and easy to drink in the heat.

Over time, Berliner Weisse gained a reputation as a popular summer beer, and it was often served with flavored syrups to balance out the sourness. By the 19th century, Berliner Weisse was one of the most popular beer styles in Berlin, with dozens of breweries producing their own versions.

However, the popularity of Berliner Weisse declined in the 20th century as beer drinkers began to favor sweeter, less sour styles. By the 1980s, only a few breweries in Berlin were still producing Berliner Weisse, and the style was in danger of disappearing altogether.

In the 1990s, a renewed interest in craft beer led to a resurgence in Berliner Weisse, and today it's once again a popular beer style, both in Germany and around the world.

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