Days 3,4 & 5...

Day three… Last night I experienced my first club environment. In this club I decided to use the restroom, only to find out that it said not for men instead of for men. This was slightly funny for the group of us.

Today we went to a German history museum. In the museum there was an old brewery which was interesting to see. During class we learned about malting and the different chemicals that are in beer. It was nice to learn that carbon dioxide needs to be produced so that the oxygen can leave the mixture. This allows the yeast to break down the sugar to get ethanol (which is good).

During a group presentation we learned that Berliner Weisse is a local beer that is sour in taste.

Day four… We took a tour at a brewery. It was cool to see a brewery that actually is still in use. At this brew pub we were able to try two different beers. In class today we learned that there are multiple factors that can change the type of beer that is brewed. These factors include: water, hops, market, and the climate.

We also learned from presentations that during the iron curtain it was hard for the east to brew the types of beer they may have wanted, due to strict government regulations. We also learned that Gose is brewed with salty water and tastes sour.

Later this evening a few of us decided to go to an Irish pub. We experience some great Irish music, beer, and dancing.

Day five… Today we went to a brewing university in Berlin. It was interesting to learn how they inspect every aspect of brewing. They inspect the beer, the bottles, and pretty much anything to do with beer. We were able to stay for a lecture from some big members of the brewing community. Then we all drank beer with every one there. We also were able to take part in a sensory panel, where we tasted spiked beer for different flavors. This is used to determine what flavors or other factors are in a beer.