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Heritage Beers

There is a profound sense of continuity in a beer that has been brewed the same way for five hundred years. On this page, we explore the 'Heritage' side of our travels—focusing on the breweries, beer halls, and spas that are woven into the very fabric of their local history. These aren't just places to grab a drink; they are living museums where the architecture, the atmosphere, and the ancient brewing techniques tell the story of the people who call these places home. Join us as we raise a glass to the traditions that shaped the world of beer.

Lagers (Bavaria)

Why is it called a lager?
Lagers originated in Bavaria (modern-day Germany) around the 15th century, with their history deeply rooted in cold-climate brewing techniques and the German word lagern ("to store").
Why so cold?
Brewers in Bavaria sought a fresher beer, leading to the use of bottom-fermenting yeast that worked in colder temperatures.The term "lager" comes from the practice of storing or "lagering" beer in cold, deep cellars filled with ice for months, maturing it.
Is a bock a lager?
A bock is a specific, strong, and malty style of lager, not a different category of beer entirely. While "lager" refers to any beer fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures, a bock is characterized by its high ABV, rich caramel or nut flavors, and a long maturation period.

Pilsners (Czech Republic and Germany)

Why is it called a Pilsner?
Originally brewed in Plzen in the Czech Republic in 1842, Pilsner literally translates to "from Pilsen." It was considered the vomit rebellion against the dark, cloudy disgusting beers of the time.
Why so much foam?
In Pilsen, the home of Pilsner Urquel, there are three pours: Hladinka (standard), Šnyt (small beer in a large glass), and Mlíko (a glass full of foam)—each offering a different drinking experience.
Why drink from a clear glass?
With the advent of the clear, bright, golden pilsner, serveware moved from ceramic, metal or dark glass to clear glass so that the beer could be seen and appreciated.

Pale Ales (Britain)

Is Pale Ale the same as India Pale Ale?
George Hodgson of London’s Bow Brewery is credited with popularizing "India Ale" in the 1790s. Initially called "pale ale prepared for the India market," the term "India Pale Ale" was first officially used around 1835. It became popular in England by the 1840s.
Why is it called an India Pale Ale?
Standard British beers (like Porters) often arrived in India spoiled or flat after months of travel through hot climates, including crossing the equator. Brewers used higher hop levels (which act as a preservative) and a higher alcohol content to help the beer survive.
What's new with IPA's?
Modern IPAs include American IPA, Imperial/Double IPA, English IPA, and fruity New England IPA (NEIPA). Colors range from light gold to deep copper. Hops provide bitterness and aroma. It's a leader in the global craft beer scene, evolvign from a practical export to a diverse category of aroma-driven brews.

Wheat Beers (Sumeria - then Bavaria and Belgium)

Is Pale Ale the same as India Pale Ale?
Wheat beer is one of the oldest styles, dating back to 6000 BC with Sumerians using spelt. Its modern roots are primarily in Bavaria (Hefeweizen) and Belgium (Witbier). Key styles include Weissbier, Witbier, and American Wheat.
What's wheat got to do with it?
Wheat beer is a top-fermented beer brewed with a high percentage of malted wheat (at least 40-50%) compared to barley, resulting in a creamy texture, pale color, and distinct banana-clove flavor profile.
Is it wheat or white?
Known as "white beer," Belgian wheat beer (often utilizing unmalted wheat and spices like orange peel) was nearly extinct until revived by Pierre Celis in the 1960s, leading to the creation of the famous Hoegaarden brewery.

Porters (Britain)

Why is it called a porter?
Developed in 1700s London, this beer gained popularity with working-class "porters" for its affordability and sustenance. The first mass-produced, internationally exported beer, it's credited with the commercial brewing.
Did porters become extinct?
It was the first beer to be heavily aged in large brewery vats, driving technical advancements in brewing. But porter sales declined in the early 20th century, almost disappearing until it was revived in the 1970s and 80s.
Why are porters so dark?
It's dark because it is brewed with heavily roasted malted barleys. Roasted to high temperatures. These malts impart deep brown to black colors, along with characteristic flavors of caramel, chocolate, and coffee.

Stout Beers (England - then Ireland)

Is Pale Ale the same as India Pale Ale?
Stout began as a descriptive term for strong porters which were dark, robust beers. In 1817, the invention of black patent malt allowed brewers to add the characteristic roasty, bitter flavor without excessive body creating a distinctive style.
Is a stout a porter on steroids?
Originally meaning "strong," stout evolved into its own style distinct from porter. In 1759, Arthur Guinness began perfecting these stronger porters, turning Dublin into a major hub for stout production.
What kind of strong are you?
Dry/Irish is the most recognized style, characterized by a creamy head, dark color, and dry, coffee-like finish Milk/Sweet Stout is brewed with lactose (milk sugar), which is not fermented by yeast, resulting in a sweeter, lower-ABV. Oatmeal Stout incorporates oats for a smoother, silky, and velvety mouthfeel. Imperial/Russian Imperial Stout is a very strong, intense, and high-alcohol stout designed for sipping. American Stout is a modern, robust style that often uses American hops for higher bitterness and aroma.
To drink a heritage beer is to participate in a conversation with history—one where the recipe is the language and the beer is the story.

Some of our favorite beers in the Heritage Collection

Lagers

The Pint Shop Cambridge, England

Gurkha Premium Lager (Nepal)

Jonathan - 7.85 Jennifer - 8
Pilsners

Piwnica Swidnicka Brewery Wroclaw, Poland

Kur Pilsner

Jonathan - 7.8 Jennifer - 7
Porters

Alaskan Brewing Company Juneau, Alaska

Alaskan Smoked Porter

Jonathan - 8.7 Jennifer - 9
Stouts

Harbor Mountain Brewing Sitka, Alaska

Oatmeal Stout

Jonathan - 9.1 Jennifer - 10

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