Originally the ingredients were water, malt and hops, which was only three, but in the 17th century when yeast was discovered, that was necessarily added to make four. By restricting the use of adjuncts and additives, you can be sure that German beers, working under these constraints, are not going to be made with cheaper, alternate ingredients. These are the bare bones of what you need to make beer, so what do we want to know about these ingredients? I think pretty much everyone will find it obvious Read more [...]