This article in the New York Times makes me long for the days of drinking German beers at every little hole in the wall brewery we could find… I especially loved the Kölsch beer from Köln (Cologne for you plebians) which is known for being served in those thin cylindrical glasses. Tasty stuff. You should read this whole thing when you have time…its quite nice peak at a few distinctive places.
Also of note, the hostel they list for Köln is where I stayed the two and a half times I went to Köln (why two and a half? that is story for different day). I also went to the touristy Chocolate Museum in Köln, mentioned in the article. While full of chocolate and chocolate accessories, it was not quite the Willy Wonka experience I expected …ie no German Oompa Loompas.