Bayernbiere Bought and Drunk

Finally able to do a small Schlenkerla comparison. Difficult to get proper color/lighting but relatively accurate. Maerzen (draft) - Fastenbier (bottle) - Ur-bock (mini keg). Although I know the order, surprisingly easy to discern the subtle differences. My preference is - M, U, F. Maerzen is subjectively the greatest beer available to me.

 

I've never done this, but off the top of my head the differences for me personally would be the Fastenbier would be the hoppiest, with a noticeable contribution from the yeast both in terms of flavor and mouthfeel (cask-like), the Maerzen while still exceedingly smoky would be the one with the most prominent bready/sweet-like malt character, and the Urbock would by far be the smokiness, with that being the most dominant characteristic.

What's the order left to right? Maerzen/Fastenbier/Ur-bock?

 

You got it exaclty, in order and description. Fastenbier has the hoppiness, Maerzen has that pure malt base and Ur-bock is dense and rich. Any variety next to the Ur-bock is very tame!

 

I was able to contact Stahlsturm.... I tracked him down on Facebook.... Here's our conversation on FB:

Me: Guten Tag! Have missed you on BA and we were wondering if all is ok.... Zum Wohl!

Stahl: Hallo Dave, nein, ich bin nicht ok aber das hat nichts mit BA zu tun. Ich habe dort schon länger das Gefühl, alles gesagt zu haben und die Zusammenlegung der ganzen Europaforen war für mich der letzte Ausschlag.


So, I don't reckon he'll be popping in here any time soon....

Prosit!

 

@herrburgess hasn't been around much either.

 

Sorry to hear this, tell him we miss his voice around here!

 

Damn shame.

 

I think the more you know about beer, the harder it is to tolerate this website as time goes on. This doesn't go for everyone obviously, as there's still a fair amount of incredibly knowledgeable people here.

I imagine it can become frustrating reading some posts and constantly correcting people or arguing with them. There's SO many newer members who's love for beer is solely due to something like an IPA and a barrel-aged stout, and they have such a myopic view of what a "good" beer is.

I would say this is getting off-topic, but ironically I believe Schlenkerla Maerzen was Scott's favorite beer...period.

 

Unfortunately, did not know Scott well, other than through these forums, interacting primarily last calendar year. He seemed to persevere despite the asinine and mundane postings.

I'll give him posthumous credit; this BA is forever enamored with Rauchbier.

 

That's pretty much why I only look at the German posts. This group seems pretty civil.

 

It is sad to hear about Stahlsturm, although I opposed many of hies views, esp. regarding "alien hipster beer".
And herrburgess is a loss as well

And yeah, the German posts are the main reason I still come back here.
Prost.

 

He looks to be pretty busy these days...

http://bierkellercolumbia.com/about

 

Damn cool logo too.

 

Yup, good, old HB is still around and hard at work. If he's not ready to give the details on the forum, shoot him a BM, and I'm sure he'll give you the skinny. From what he's told me, sounds like Bierkeller is gonna be friggin' awesome.

 

Yes, I knew he was getting into the brewing/professional side of things as he asked me for some general advice. I attributed his absence to simply being busy in regards to this undertaking, so I figured it was a question of time until he joined our conversation again. so far I'm wrong Judging by his profile, he hasn't been active since June of last year. Hope he's able to make the dream come true!

 

I miss those guys too, and their absence is a loss to this forum. Herrburgess was also was also very generous with Bamberg advice (as was Spartan1979) that helped me have a great trip last summer.

Thanks to all who posted updates on them. And Scott's bierkeller project looks great.

 

Secret's out, then, eh? First, thanks for the interest. Second, thanks to @steveh for the logo design. It is, indeed, damn cool. I just got back from checking on the first batch, which I brewed on Sunday. Miraculously I managed to hit all my numbers on the 20 BBL system my first time. Temps in fermenter have been good, too. Kölumbianer should be ready to go in a few more weeks. Next brew days are already scheduled. We are also scheduled to do our first Biergarten as part of our grand opening in early-mid May. Our distributor, Comer, has been great and is even bringing over an Ausschankwagen for us to use at these pop-up beer gardens. We will be keeping the FB page and web site updated, so check back for more information. Had a professional photographer in on brew day, so should have some good images from that. If any of y'all are in the area, let me know by beer mail.

 

I had no idea this was happening! (or maybe I did and I forgot, beer effects the memory or something).

If I am ever in the area, this will be a must-see (and drink). I think you'll do great, as this is a truly unique idea these days in US craft beer. Rather than chase after being the next great sour/IPA/barrel-aged beer.

It also goes without saying, you know what you're doing.

I wish you the best of luck (not that you need it).

All the best,

Jon

 

Keep us posted re: opening day. Some of us live within easy driving distance!

 

Won't be around for the opening, but if I make it down that way when I'm back visiting over the summer Kölumbianer will be high on the list!