Diet for a Six Pack

October 4, 2007

Top European Breweries – the Ideal Six Pack from boo.com

Beer. For many, it's simply the perfect companion for the weekend cookout or watching the big game.

But for a growing number of beer connoisseurs, it is much more than that. It is a passion, rich in history and culture. In many parts of the world, quality beer has and always will be a way of life.

Europe has long been recognized as the birthplace of beer. For the true beer lover looking for an enjoyable and historic look at how the world's most renowned beers are made, boo.com offers it's “Ideal Six Pack” of European Brewery Tours just in time for Oktoberfest.

The boo.com Ideal Six Pack – Top European Breweries

Dublin, Ireland
The Beer: Guinness Draught
The Taste: “Ruby and Cream. Black and White. Two distinct parts, one perfect pint.”
The Brewery: St. James's Gate Brewery/Guinness Storehouse
St. James's Gate Brewery is the birthplace of Guinness and home to the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin's number one tourist attraction. The Gravity Bar is located on the top floor of The Guinness Storehouse, where visitors enjoy a pint and the 360 degree panoramic view of Dublin.

The Hotel: Herbert Park Hotel
With a central location and traditional pubs nearby, the Herbert Park Hotel is the ideal base to experience the great nightlife that Dublin has to offer. The Herbert Park Hotel is known for its great service and friendly staff. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities that the hotel provides or simply relax in the lounge, take afternoon tea or an early evening drink and canapés (Herbert Park Hotel)

boo User Review: Corkman
“Easily, one of the best places in Dublin to get a view of the city. Enjoy your complementary pint in the gravity bar at the end of the tour. Aim to go there on a clear day for best views.” (Guinness Storehouse boo user review)

Munich, Germany
The Beer: Oktoberfest brew
The Taste: Heavy, dark and smooth
The Event: Oktoberfest
With six million people attending every year, Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair and Germany's most famous event. Beer takes center stage at the event where festival goers take part in a two week celebration of the Oktoberfest beer specially brewed for the occasion. The festivities are kicked off when the Mayor of Munich taps the keg and declares, “”O'zapft is!” (Bavarian: “It's tapped!”).

boo User Review: stephenoc
“A MUST DO EXPERIENCE… 4 Lads 5 day weekend it's a must. Everything about it is cool – the tents, the different Bavarian foods, the amusements in the park. Tip: get down there early to make sure you get into a tent and join in the fun.” (Oktoberfest boo user review)

The Hotel: Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
Located in walking distance from the main train station, The Sofitel Munich Bayerpost is an impressive luxury hotel in an ideal spot for visitors. (Sofitel Munich Bayerpost)

Copenhagen, Denmark
The Beer: Carlsberg Lager
The Taste: Crisp, bold and dry.
The Brewery: Headquartered in Valby, Copenhagen, Denmark Carlsberg is one of the largest brewing companies in the world with a presence in close to 50 countries. It is the fifth largest brewery group in the world and employs nearly 31,000 people. The company was founded in 1847 by JC Jacobsen who named the beer after his son Carl.

The Hotel: Radisson SAS Scandinavia
Located within walking distance to the Town Hall Square & Tivoli gardens, the Radisson SAS Scandinavia offers rooms with a great city view. Hotel guests enjoy the well-equipped fitness club, great swimming pool, and in-house casino. The hotel offers a unique choice of fine restaurants and cuisine including, Thai, Japanese, Italian and an International gourmet restaurant located on the 25th floor. (Radisson SAS Scandinavia)

boo User Review: yazzer
“Super hotel with the most amazing restaurant on the top floor with stunning views, restaurant not cheap but well worth it. 5 min to city centre, service fantastic for such a big hotel – great fun bar and casino also. Great city – well worth a weekend break!” (Radisson SAS Scandinavia boo user hotel review)

Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Beer: Heineken
The Taste: “A light pale lager with a crisp dry flavor.”
The Brewery: The Heineken Brewery
Located at the original Heineken brewery in Amsterdam, The Heineken Experience offers a one of a kind interactive tour through the rich history of the company and its beer.

The Hotel: Marriott Amsterdam
The Marriott Amsterdam offers an ideal location across from the Leidseplein's fine shopping, dining and entertainment. With beautiful guest rooms, high-speed Internet access, a well-equipped fitness room and two fine dining restaurants, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel is sure to impress. (Marriott Amsterdam)

boo User Review: Nicola
“The Amsterdam Marriott is well located in the Centre of Amsterdam, everything is within walking distance. We got a special weekend deal. The deluxe room was lovely, room only rate but we didn't mind that as there are lots of little cafe's nearby for breakfast and we weren't up in time either of the mornings we were there.” (Marriott Amsterdam boo user hotel review)

Strasbourg, France
The Beer: Kronenbourg 1664
The Taste: “Slightly bitter sweet beer with a distinct citrus hop taste. A clean, crisp, uncluttered flavor.”
The Brewery: Kronenbourg Brewery
Located in the Alsace region of France, the Kronenbourg brewery named one of its most popular beers after the year the company was founded, Kronenbourg 1664. Originally known for its ale, the company is now renowned for its lagers and is the top selling brand of beer in France.

The Hotel: Hotel Royal Lutétia
Lutetia Hotel is functional and cosy with features to attract the most discerning of modern travelers. It is located between the train station and the European Parliament and within walking distance to the center of the city.

boo User Review: abrig2735
“Our room was very big for the price we paid and had a very accommodating staff. The decor in the lobby area is impressive. Multi-lingual tv channel selection, only a few minutes walk from Place Broglie. Near a bus stop that can take you straight to the train station.” (Hotel Royal Lutetia boo user hotel review)

Leuven, Belgium
The Beer: Stella Artois
The Taste: Clean, light, dry with a hint of hops
The Brewery: Stella Artois Brewery/The Leuven's Den Horen Brewery
With a history dating back to1366, The Leuven's Den Horen Brewery still exists today. Stella Artois was initially marketed as a seasonal brew for the Christmas holiday market but quickly turned into an international year-round favorite.

The Hotel: Theater Hotel Leuven-Centrum
Located in the heart of the university town of Leuven, The Theater Hotel Leuven is the ideal location with an intimate charm no large hotel can match. It is near the prestigious town hall, shopping areas, the theater, museums and a great number of cultural attractions.