Bremen, the historic Hanseatic city, is home to one of Germany’s most iconic beer brands – Becks. The Becks Brewery Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and meticulous craftsmanship behind this renowned beverage. Over the course of three hours, guests embark on a guided exploration, uncovering the secrets of Becks’ and Haake-Beck’s production processes. From the raw material rooms to the fermentation tanks, this comprehensive tour promises a deep understanding of the attention to detail that has made these beers a global sensation. But the real highlight? Well, that’s something you’ll have to experience for yourself.
Key Points
- A 3-hour guided tour that provides an in-depth exploration of the beer brewing process at the Becks and Haake-Beck breweries.
- Visitors explore the brewery museum, learn about the company’s history, and gain insights into the brewing ingredients and techniques.
- Opportunity to witness the brewing process firsthand, including observing the malt silos, brew house, fermentation tanks, and storage areas.
- Visitors can taste a selection of Becks and Haake-Beck beers, including the flagship Pilsner, Weizenbier, and non-alcoholic Becks Blue.
- The tour takes place at the Becks and Haake-Beck visitor center in Bremen, with a minimum age requirement of 16 years.
Overview of the Brewery Tour
The Becks Brewery tour offers a 3-hour guided exploration, providing visitors with an in-depth look into the beer brewing process and insights into the well-known Becks and Haake-Beck beer brands.
During the tour, guests can visit the brewery museum to learn about the history of the company. They’ll also tour the raw material rooms, brew house, malt silos, fermentation tanks, and storage areas to see the beer making process firsthand.
Two short films about beer production are also shown in the onsite cinema. The tour delivers a rundown of Becks Brewery’s operations and the renowned beer brands it produces.
Exploring the Brewery Museum
Visitors begin their tour at the Becks Brewery museum, which provides an engaging historical overview of the company’s origins and evolution.
The museum delves into the story of the Beck family and how they established the brewery in 1873, transforming it into a beloved global brand.
Interactive exhibits guide guests through the brewing process, showcasing the raw materials, equipment, and techniques that contribute to Becks’ signature flavor.
Visitors can also explore the brand’s marketing and advertising campaigns over the decades, gaining insight into how Becks has maintained its position as a German beer icon.
The museum offers a compelling glimpse into the rich heritage and innovation that have defined the Becks Brewery for over 140 years.
Visiting the Raw Material Rooms
After seeing the brewery’s rich history at the museum, guests move on to explore the raw material rooms, where they gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental ingredients that create Becks’ renowned beers.
In these rooms, visitors are introduced to the malts, hops, and water that form the backbone of the brewing process. They’ll marvel at the sheer scale of the malt silos, which store the carefully selected grains that will be milled and mashed to extract their sugary goodness.
The tour guide explains how each ingredient is meticulously sourced and handled to ensure the consistent quality that has made Becks a German icon. This segment of the tour whets the appetite for the brewing demonstration to come.
Observing the Brewing Process
From the raw material rooms, guests then proceed to the brew house, where they witness the captivating transformation of the carefully selected ingredients into the distinctive Becks and Haake-Beck beers.
In this dynamic setting, the tour guide meticulously explains each step of the brewing process, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating these iconic German lagers.
The group observes the brewing vats, where the malt, hops, and water are combined and heated to extract the sugars and essential oils. They also see the impressive malt silos and the state-of-the-art filtration systems that ensure the purity and consistency of the final product.
Discovering the Malt Silos
As the tour progresses, the group marvels at the towering malt silos that loom impressively within the brewery’s interior.
These massive storage structures, standing as sentinels of the brewing process, hold the carefully selected malts that form the backbone of Becks and Haake-Beck’s signature flavors.
The guide explains that the malts, sourced from the finest barley, are the foundation upon which the unique character of these beloved beers is built.
Visitors peer through viewing windows, observing the intricate mechanisms that gently transfer the precious grains from the silos to the milling and mashing equipment.
This stage of the brewing journey, the guide notes, is crucial in unlocking the complex aromas and flavors that define the Becks and Haake-Beck experience.
Touring the Fermentation and Storage Tanks
The group now moves on to explore the vast fermenting and storage tanks where the magic of beer transformation truly comes to life.
Here, they learn how the brewed wort is transferred into the fermentation tanks where yeast is added. This starts the fermentation process, converting sugars into alcohol.
After several days, the green beer moves to the conditioning tanks where it matures, develops its signature flavor, and clarifies.
The guide explains the importance of temperature control and the patient waiting period that allows the beer to fully develop its character before packaging.
The participants are captivated by the scale of the operation and the expertise required to consistently produce high-quality Becks and Haake-Beck beers.
Tasting the Brewery’s Beers
After exploring the brewery’s inner workings, visitors now have the opportunity to savor the fruits of the brewers’ labor. They’re invited to taste a selection of three beers produced on-site, providing a hands-on appreciation for the distinct flavors and qualities that define the renowned Becks and Haake-Beck brands.
| Beer | Flavor | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|---|
| Becks Pilsner | Light, crisp, and refreshing | 5% |
| Haake-Beck Weizenbier | Fruity, with notes of banana and clove | 5.4% |
| Becks Blue (non-alcoholic) | Alcohol-free alternative with a malty taste | 0.33% |
The tasting experience allows visitors to compare and contrast the brewery’s core offerings, gaining a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each brew.
Tour Logistics and Meeting Point
Visitors begin their brewery tour experience at the Becks and Haake-Beck visitor center, located at Am Deich 18/19 in Bremen.
The 3-hour guided tour is conducted in both German and English, making it accessible to international guests.
The minimum age requirement is 16 years, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The tour logistics are as follows:
- Tour duration: 3 hours
- Languages: German and English
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Meeting point: Becks and Haake-Beck visitor center, Am Deich 18/19, 28199 Bremen
With a well-organized itinerary and clear logistics, the Becks Brewery tour provides an informative and engaging exploration of the beer-making process, catering to both local and international visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Beer to Take Home From the Brewery?
Yes, visitors can purchase Beck’s and Haake-Beck beer to take home from the brewery’s visitor center. The tour provides an opportunity to sample the brewery’s products and purchase them as souvenirs or for personal consumption.
Are There Any Food Options Available During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include any food options, but visitors can purchase snacks and beverages at the on-site cafe before or after the brewery tour. However, no food is provided as part of the guided tour experience.
Do They Offer Tours in Other Languages Besides German and English?
The Becks Brewery tour is available in German and English, but they don’t offer tours in other languages. Visitors who don’t speak either of these languages may need to arrange for a translator to join the tour.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, as the brewery visitor center and tour route are designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Visitors in wheelchairs can fully participate in the 3-hour guided tour experience.
Can I Take Pictures During the Brewery Tour?
Yes, visitors can take pictures during the Becks Brewery tour. Photography is generally permitted throughout the tour, allowing guests to capture the brewing process and facilities. However, visitors should be mindful of any restricted areas or rules communicated by the tour guide.
Recap
The Becks Brewery Tour in Bremen provides an immersive experience, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the beer-making process.
From the brewery museum to the raw material rooms and production facilities, the tour delivers a comprehensive understanding of the craftsmanship and attention to detail required to produce Becks and Haake-Beck beers.
The tour concludes with a tasting, allowing visitors to savor and compare the brewery’s core offerings.
