Kellerbier

What is Kellerbier?

Keller lager or kellerbier is an unfiltered and unpasteurized bottom-fermented beer originating in the Franconia region of Germany.

Kellerbier is a long-aged malty beer with very low carbonation that is strongly flavoured with aromatic hops.

Traditionally, kellerbier was served directly from the barrel in which it was fermented and aged, and it was consumed from earthen pitchers.

Origin Story

Kellerbier’s origins date to the Middle Ages. Beer was brewed during cooler months and then matured in caves. These caves acted as natural cellars, allowing the beer to remain steadily cool throughout the slow maturation process.

Beer was matured in oak barrels that were open to the environment, allowing the carbon dioxide produced during fermentation to escape. The barrel was only sealed for transportation, and beer was served directly from the barrel. The result was a practically uncarbonated, cloudy beer.

Kellerbier has several subtypes. One of these is zwickelbier, a younger, lighter, and usually darker version of kellerbier, which is matured for a shorter period.

Kellerbier and its various subtypes remain popular in their region of origin, Franconia. Nowadays, kellerbier is mostly fermented in stainless steel closed fermentation tanks. Additionally, they contain less alcohol than they used to and may even be gently filtered.