Hello from Stone Brewing Berlin

There is no unambiguous definition of craft beer in the US where the term originated. It appears that the term “craft beer” is now part of the German vocabulary. There is no doubt in my mind that the term of “craft beer” will not have an unambiguous definition in Germany as well.

Cheers!

 

Depends on who is leading the conversation.

 

Yes indeed. But that is in the descriptive sense. The U.S. movement has -- for better or for worse -- begun to use the term in the prescriptive sense.

E.g.: Schlenkerla is a craft brewery because it crafts its beers; Maisel & Friends makes "craft" beers because it follows the (generally U.S. prescription) of creating something that "interprets historic styles with unique twists and develops new styles that have no precedent."

 

To use another example: since all beers made before modern kilning would have had some degree of smokiness, does that then make them all Rauchbier? Just because many traditional German breweries fulfill the current requirements for being "craft" breweries doesn't make them craft brewers.

 

Waaaaaaaaaait. What about Schlenkerla Weizen, Schlenkerla Eiche and to a lesser extend Schlenkerla Kräußen- aren't they interpretations of historic styles with unique twists, or somehow even new styles that have no precedent?
One of my many problems with the new craft movement here is that many new consumers and brewers alike seem to paint the picture that before them all of german brewing was uncreative and new styles were not developed, which esp. in franconia simply is not the case.

 

Well, I guess there's craft, and then there's "craft."

 

I mean no disrespect... and I must admit that it's been a while since living in D (already 8 years back in the states), and I have also seen how things are changing through forums online, it's just my experience that many Germans who visit a beerhall/Biergarten atmosphere will be requesting these types of drinks (which I personally abhor). I also get the "my house, my rules" thing too.

 

There are plenty of extinct Berlin beer styles: Berliner Braunbier, Malzvollbier, Caramel-Enfachbier, Feinbitter-Starkbier, Deutscher Porter.

 

A few years ago I remember reading about a couple places that were still producing a German porter. Are there any left?

 

This beer reads like it is tasty: http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2506/8048/

Cheers!

 

Theres lausitzer porter from saxony but i remember that being not so great ladt time i had it

 

I have had Hoepfner's Porter. I thought it was OK. I'm of course no expert, but I don't think this is done in the "German Porter" style, which are sweetened IIRC. Hoepfner Porter is more like the British take on things. Of course I could be wrong. I don't think it's something you would seek out if you were itching for a Porter.

There are a few sweet German Porters on the market, but I don't know if they're "authentic" or not. I never really enjoyed the few that I've tried. Lausitzer's Porter, which I've talked about before on these boards, is maybe the single worst beer I had while in Germany. I also did not care very much for Störtebecker's Hansa-Porter. My local place (Kulturbrauerei) made a decent British-style Porter as a seasonal, but you could also find Sam Smith's or Fuller's around if you looked in the right places, although they were absurdly expensive.

(@gavinbrooksbank got to it first but I'm posting anyway!)

 

the hanse porter is disgustingly sweet.
the only drainpour ive had since reviewing beer.
and i usually like störtebeker

 

That beer isn't in the Deutscher Porter style. Not strong enough. It was pretty much an East German style. I don't think any of those have survived, sadly.

 

It was simply an opinion of some members here on the fourm...
I would like to add that I love Stone beers, in fact Arrogant Bastard, Stone's RIS, and Stone's IPA where the first craft beers I ever bought. I wish Stone nothing but the best.

But, in regards to your last questions, how bout that Wiessebeir? Could it land state side too?

 

Have you ever made a lager of any sort Greg or has it always been just ales? Forgive me i dont know Stone's full line up

 

Well, to be fair it is Stone that made "sugary, artificially flavored/colored beer mixes" at your German operation (and "fizzy yellow beer" at your U.S. operation) an issue in the first place through your marketing.

More than happy to move on, though, so...

As for what else to talk about: as was mentioned above, I'd be interested in what other German cities you plan to get your beer into. I split most of my time between Berlin (well, technically Potsdam) and Bamberg. Any plans to sell in the Bavarian market?

 

Camba has a good coffee porter:
http://www.bier-deluxe.de/camba-coffee-porter-182

In fact they have a rather impressive line up of beer these days:
http://www.camba-bavaria.de/

Including...
http://www.camba-bavaria.de/internationale-biere/g7-erdbeer-weisse/


Of course we are still bummed that their "Milk Stout" is no longer brewed here:
http://www.camba-bavaria.de/internationale-biere/camba-milk-stout/

 

Hopefully the Americans (and Brew Dog) will get these local-yokels straightened out asap on how to brew craft®℠™ beer!