European Championship Beers, Bars & Balls

Switzerland It’s a country of two halves, Jim. Switzerland embraces a number of languages and cultures in its make-up, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to discover that it has something of a schizophrenic approach to beer, too, and that there is no definitive or typical Swiss beer style.

This, though, is good for the beer drinker, because the country offers a great deal of choice. A new generation of microbrewers have bolstered an already beer-rich nation and there are now more than 100 brewers in the country.

In the French-speaking areas to the west much of the influence comes from Belgium, and to the east the German-speaking areas specialise in lager, much of it produced to the Reinheitsgebot standard. In this region, too, many of the traditional family brewers still exist. The standard is remarkably high, and a little local research should unearth a gem or two. Steer clear of the more standard lagers, though, as they can be insipid and dull.

SWITZERLAND

Geneva

WHERE TO GO

There is no ‘scene’ as such in Geneva and bars and pubs are populated by people of all ages and are relaxed and safe. There are a number of English style pubs around the river in the Carouge district of the city. If you’re up for it the local delicacy is a sausage that has not been completely matured and contains ‘coarse grained meat and the gelatinous parts of pig, often spiced with wild fennel, garlic, muscat nut and white wine.’ No?

Recommended pub: La Clemence, Place du Bourg-de-Four 20 –.....

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By Sally Toms

Section : Beer and Sport

Page number : 17