June, 2001 Monthly Newsletter

Interesting Facts About German Beer Steins

Steins date back as early as the 14th century. In the early 16th century Germany made several laws requiring that all food and beverage containers be covered. The reason for this was because of the Bubonic Plague and the mass quantities of flies that swarmed the country. So they started putting a lid, hinge and even a thumblift on their drinking containers for easy access. This also helped to keep the liquid at a constant temperature.

Around this time most all steins were made from earthenware. They started raising the firing temperature to improve the quality of these steins. By doing this, it made the steins much more durable and moisture-free. They called this "stoneware" because of it's durability. Hence, stoneware became very popular in Germany and artists started applying their creations and artwork to them.

Guilds were popular during this time in Germany. The Pewter Guild started the look we are all familiar with now - the stoneware stein with the permanently attached pewter lid. By the 19th century the Stein was clearly defined as being made in Europe and primarily of stoneware with a permanently attached pewter lid.

Pewter was not only used for lids, but also for the entire stein. Pewter was preferred throughout Europe, mostly in England. Glass, porcelain and silver steins came out several hundred years ago and are still available today.

Still today, steins are primarily produced in Germany where they continue to train their employees in the same way using century old traditions.

Below is a list of the materials you will most likely find Steins made of and their characteristics: