Jever - The German Pilsener

In spite of the Bavarians typically turning their noses up at most beers from the north, I found Jever to be commonly available in both Munich and Bamberg. It was also usually sold fairly close to the local beers while stuff like Warsteiner, Beck's, etc. was off by itself.

 

Sounds like they're both in the correct spots!

 

From the perspective of an outsider, Jever and Tannenzepfle were among the only (common) non-Bavarian beers to get any real respect in the south. I'm sure there are others, but the Germans are fond of playfully shitting all over the beers from other regions.

 

Not one of my styles.

 

I saw Budvar in a few bars (not Bierhalls) in Munich.

 

Yup, I was generalizing a lot...which I've been known to do. Czechvar, Urquell, Beck's, Warsteiner, Veltins, Bit, and several others are most definitely around and being consumed. I always tried to make it a habit to ask anyone (who could speak English with me) what beers they liked vs. thought were lousy. I got more positive reaction to Miller than the typical mass-market German pilsners. I think that's local pride more than them actually liking Miller more Jever and Rothaus were universally respected, though.

 

Were they basing a Miller opinion on U.S. travels? Can't say I ever saw that sort of beer in S. Germany.

 

Never heard of it. Never seen it.

 

It's actually pretty common in Munich now. MGD is served in the US fast food places like Burger King. In the random convenience stores, it's around. More so than Bud from my experiences, but I'm not sure if that's universal.

 

Agreed on this. I've only had cans in Germany, and they are awesome. In America we only seem to be able to get green bottles. I emailed the US importer about only being able to find (often) light struck green bottles, and whether cans were available and received a rather derisive response. Apparently they think green bottles are fine and we're all nuts

 

Don't take that too personally. I have exchanged e-mails with Ed Raven on a few occasions (i.e., questions about Jever) and none of his responses came off as warm/friendly. I personally have rationalized this as a case of Ed just not being a very 'diplomatic' fellow.

For example he refused to answer one of my questions but the folks in Germany who own/represent this beer were kind enough to respond with an answer.

Cheers!

 

Ugh. Maybe I really don't want to go back to Munich.

 

MGD outsells Budweiser in Sweden, and I suspect that much of it has to do with the clear bottle, which I also think explains the popularity of Corona. Both sell for a premium price here and they are obviously seen as premium beers by the people who drink them.

 

Glad to see it wasn't just me!

 

I am interested to try this and compare with Urquell but my local total wine only had bottles that said "best by 2/2016". Yikes.

 

Having only ever had Jever from bottles and cans, I am mildly excited to see it being offered on tap at my usual watering hole, a place that tends to offer only one or two of their taps to out-of-province beers.

http://www.barhoptoronto.com/taps/

 

I don't drink it in the US for the same reason I don't drink any German beers and few European ones. They don't travel well and sit in warehouses and freighter ships for weeks. Would rather drink a fresh local (and perhaps inferior) local version.

 

With imports you do have to be very careful to check dates and proper storage, particularly for those green bottles, like Jever... there's no denying that. However, avoiding imports altogether limits yourself from some great [and classic] beers, that don't have an readily available equivalent in the US, Jever being an example in my opinion. I wouldn't necessarily say US beers are "inferior" as that can depend one's tastes, but definitely different. When I go to the beer store at least 4 out of 5 times there's nothing in the imports I want either because of the selections or dates, and I get a US craft, but when I do find a nice, reasonably fresh import I am very happy. It's like a treasure hunt!

If you read up in the thread you'll see some tips and tricks to get imported beer in good condition. Checking dates for freshness is obvious; and you can avoid light-struck (skunked) beer by purchasing cans (if available), bottles in factory-sealed enclosed cases, or this...

Also, another reason to buy, or at least look for, the cases is some importers only date the case.

 

Jever is fantastic on draft. I had it at some random German-themed bar near Manhattan I think.

I could not agree more with @Ranbot. I always glance over at the imports section to see if there's anything stocked that I didn't see before (increasing the chances it might be fresh(er)), or if I have a hankering for a certain brand that has been there before, I'll check the date to see how old it is.

Also, my store allows mix-a-six, so sometimes I'll take a flyer on bottles that aren't dated (Ayinger, Schlenkerla, Augustiner), especially if I see new bottles that weren't there the week before. If a single tastes like crap, no big loss. If it's a style like a Helles or Pils, I hold the bottle up to the light and turn it upside down a few times to see if there's anything floating in it.

This past weekend I picked up some Flensberger Pils (bottled in April I believe), Weihenstephan Original, and a single of Augustiner Edelstoff. The Augustiner passed the light test, and tasted pretty good to me. But, I also mix it up, and picked up a single of Troegs Sunshine Pils, which is also quite good.