Franconian Beer Message Board
Bottom Fermentation Prior to Industrialisation |
| Posted by DonS on 2010-10-24 09:56:27 |
| Yes - bottom-fermenting beer and the attendant lagering is fairly old, developing out of the use of caves and cellars for wintertime cold storage long ago, perhaps as long ago as the 13th century, with actual lagering being mentioned as a process perhaps in the 15th century. The bigger changes brought about by industrial technology were, first, the manufacture of pale malts; then, later in the 19th century, the development of mechanical chilling equipment, with German inventor/manufacturer Carl Linde at the forefront. Prior to those days, central European lager beers were still quite dark in color, owing both to the malts of the time as well as the mineral content of the water employed in brewing. One could argue that Franconian Rauchbier is the modern lager style that has the most ties, in flavor and appearance, to those lagers of old. |