Traveling the world in search of beer is one of the great joys of the adventurer. Lest you be lulled into believing that Jason was searching for the Golden Fleece, or Lewis and Clark were discovering“…whether the Columbia, Oregon, or Colorado…Rivers may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent…,” I am wholly convinced the real rationale revolved around beer.

The Golden Fleece?
Translation: “…Light haze is awash with golden hue, topped with a creamy beige head and delicate lace…glazed with…an overcoat of full-bodied roundness….”

Practical water communication across the continent?
Translation: Search for fertile land for the agricultural production of barley and a continuous water source, from east to west, for the brewing of beer. If these conditions are available across the continent, rest assured that economic development will follow.

Whatever the clandestine reason for journeys of the past, the adventurer of today can openly search for amber treasures on an exciting beer trek with a competent guide. Even with that, discovering the depth of history and rich portfolio of beers available throughout Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium may pose a challenge for the traveler who only speaks English. Fortunately, Andy Neil, a multi-lingual Brit from London who now lives just 3 miles northwest of Düsseldorf, has threaded together a pattern of micro breweries, beer cafes, brewpubs, European history, beer culture and a few beer festivals to create sociable beer adventures for the enthusiastic beer connoisseur.  This is Bier-Mania!

Founded in April of 2006, Andy’s chief aim is to provide interesting, fun beer tours with pizzazz and style. Targeted to the weekend traveler, he has put together a series of experiences that vary in multi-dimensionality by a “Chouffe Rating” – the true meaning of beer-tour complexity according to Andy. Andy has lived in Germany for five years, is fluent in German, and introduces you to interesting people along the way - the man with the amazing moustache or “Limberg according to Louis.”

Bier-Mania tours may be centered in Niederrhein, Dusseldorf, Belgium, Netherlands or Bavaria, paired with beer styles and signatures for the most adventurous beer enthusiast. Europe offers her rich history with claim to the oldest Altbier brewery in the world, best beer cafes, Belgian brewery experiences, kingdom of castles, tastings of Alt, Kolsch and Rauchbier, the Munich Oktoberfest Festival and Jousting Competitions at the Castle of Kaltenberg each July.

Tailor-made tour packages are scheduled on a rotating basis. In addition to established beer tours, Beer-Mania also presents tours custom-made to your specific needs, including business weekends, his or her outings, or a particular focus.

For more information, or to schedule a beer tour, visit Bier-Mania at  www.bier-mania.com

Cheers!