FAQ

• What is craft beer?

There are a few interpretations of this. At Zaungast, we believe that craft beer is the product of an independent brewery that is not part of a multinational beverage conglomerate. This is because craft beer is all about community spirit and collegial cooperation. In addition, more exotic beer styles are usually brewed, as craft breweries aim to increase the diversity of beer.

• Why is craft beer more expensive than "regular" beer?

This is usually because work processes are not automated and beer brewing is still a genuine craft. With craft beer, the focus is on product quality and taste, and smaller quantities are usually brewed. Depending on the beer style, large quantities of aromatic hops or special malt are sometimes required.

• Why is Zaungast only available in cans?

The can is the perfect packaging for beer and the "brewer's little barrel". It offers better protection against light, UV rays and oxygen than bottles. This means that the product not only lasts longer, but also retains its original taste for the longest time.

Furthermore, cans make logistics much easier: cans are easier to stack and ship, are break-resistant and save a lot of space and weight during transport compared to bottles.

Ultimately, we believe that cans are more practical for you as a consumer. Zaungast beer is perfect for your backpack. Cans also stay cold longer and cool down faster than bottles.

Beverage cans are the most recycled beverage packaging in the world. In Austria, the recycling rate is just over 70 percent. Bottles must be rinsed with chemicals when reused and often use animal glue for the labels. For more information, visit the WKO's info point on beverage cans here .

• Why is the can size 440ml?

Do you know the problem? You order a 0.33 Seidl, take a few sips and the pleasure is over. So the next time you order a 0.5, but you dread the last sip - warm, stale, no more carbonation.

We chose 0.44 because it's the perfect middle ground. Even though we're pretty much the only ones in Austria to offer beer in 440ml cans, we believe that this is the perfect size for tasting flavorful craft beers. Not too much, and not too little.

• Why "onlooker"?

"Onlooker" because the founder knew nothing about brewing beer until recently, but as a newcomer to the industry he wants to get involved. Our logo also reflects this attitude: The wolf came as an onlooker to the well-protected sheep enclosure inhabited by established beer brands and wants a piece of the action.

• What is the "Brewing Collective"?

In short: that's you. Craft beer is about togetherness, the community. Everyone should be able to have a say in which types of beer will be brewed next, which design will be chosen and which charitable organizations will receive a portion of the proceeds from limited editions. The Zaungast brand belongs to all of us.

• What is an "IPA"?

IPA stands for "India Pale Ale" and is a heavily hopped, top-fermented beer with a relatively high alcohol content. A little history lesson: During the colonial period, the English wanted to enjoy their local beer overseas. In order to make the beer last longer on long sea voyages, a higher amount of hops was added to these beers. This ultimately led to the creation of this style, which is very popular today.

• What is an "American Wheat"?

American Wheat is the American interpretation of wheat beer. We usually know it as a cloudy, lightly hopped beer with notes of bananas and cloves. This characteristic taste is mainly created by the yeast. These notes are not present in American Wheat, as an (I)PA yeast strain is usually used for fermentation. American Wheat beers are also usually a bit bitterer and often use fruity varieties of aroma hops.

• What is a "Gose"?

This beer style originated in the German city of Goslar and is one of the oldest beer styles (14th century) in the German-speaking world. It is brewed with salt and coriander seeds. This beer style also falls into the sour beer category. A subtle acidity is produced during mashing using lactic acid bacteria, but this is usually lower than in other representatives such as Berliner Weisse.