American Craft Beer

„Hops and malt for beer, may God preserve them here“ - Old German saying

The German saying mentioned above already hints at something that Germans have been holding sacred since 1516: The purity law for German beer. According to the law which emerged in Bavaria, only very specific ingredients should be used, namely  ‘nothing other than barley, hops and water‘.  Later on, yeast was added to the list and with these four ingredients, German brewers began an  exceptional success story.

This year, brewers and beer fans celebrate the 500. anniversary of the purity law — yet is there truly cause to celebrate? With Germany‘s focus on beer traditions of the past, the country missed a crucial development which has been sweeping the US in the past few  years: American craft beers from micro breweries. Long gone are the days when Germans could afford not to take American beer seriously, the US is about to surpass Germany in terms of hops production this year. What a birthday gift!

With these developments in mind, the Atlantic Academy is proud to welcome the first American Craft Beer Ambassador to Europe from the Brewers Association! Sylvia Kopp will introduce various American craft beers, talk about their origin and the craft beer movement in the states and will give local brewers a chance to introduce their creations!