Is German beer really THAT good?

Hale yayah, true dat!

 

Let me add my very valuable insight to this thread.....

Ummm.... YES!

 

I got to sit down with their export manager (Stefan Ibler) while I was there and gave him a couple of my connections with a NW distributor and we hit if off so well he paid the 20 euro for our tours of this wonderful brauerei, I can get it here but it's not cheap like it is there...

 

I guess I don't know what you're asking? What are you looking for or wanting to know? Are you looking for a good pils? You should try a Veltin's that's not to old it's a nice benchmark...

 

Just wondering which ones you tried that have "changed." (Also wondering when you tried them in their former iterations.)

 

Yes, it is the best.

 

That is a trick inquiry. I had a Lowenbrau draft at Lum's in Richmond (Oct. '69) that made my mouth water. Before that my Dad kept them cold at home for inquisitive teenage boys. Later I had the Miller version (maybe Eden, N.C.) and it was only just a bit better than Miller. That was some embarassing marketing. Lowenbrau belongs in Munich! Sorry, I couldn't resist....

 

I just had an Ayinger Oktober Fest Marzen. It was very enjoyable, and a nice break from all the American Pumpkin Ale's, IPA's and Stouts I've had this year.

 

Through the 80's I tried many German biers there and can attest to the fact that they are not as good as they once were. I've always held the Germans up as the bier makers but I believe WE have taken their place in that roll...

 

Care to share any specific examples of what you're talking about?

 

You, sir, are blessed with so much more patience than I.

 

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier...that is all.

 

I love this thread. Let it never be locked. Ever.

 

Roll? Like a bread roll?

 

When someone in America makes a beer unique and as impressive as this one, come talk to me. Until then there's a little bit of catch up to do, and that's ok. Lots of good beer out there in both places.


Brauerei Spezial - Spezial Rauchbier Märzen by imbibehour, on Flickr

 

Oh, no - no - no -- you gotta pick a side!

And just to prove the exception to the rule, there are some high points when an American brewer can get it damn close -- even if it isn't nationwide, can't always have it all.

 

Another quality US craft brewed Rauchbier:http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1853/25492/?sort=topr&start=0

Cheers!

 

Spezial isn't exactly nationwide either, which is why it's so important in Germany to use internet mail order:


or travel:




I've never had the Spezial Märzen (which @smakawhat posted), but their Lagerbier is tremendous, particularly up on the hill.

 

Well, I really meant that about Lakefront -- and I can find (some) Spezial in my area.

 

Gotcha. I meant that (like Lakefront?) Spezial is still considered a regional specialty in its home country of Deutschland. I never saw it outside of Bamberg. I wasn't really clear earlier because I was trying to type while wiping the drool off my mouth at the same time...