Let's Talk About Schwarzbier

saranac's black lager has a little toast a little coffee for ya. I like it but its only in the fall case.

 

Were fortunate enough here in Maryland to have Union Brewing's Blackwing. I haven't had many other schwarzbier's but that one is a local favorite

 

I had one last week and it was quite enjoyable. Definitely roasted malt to it, maybe not as much as stouts... I grabbed the last 3 single pounders off the shelf today.

 

I've had 14 within the style.
Tops:
Monocacy Brewing - Ludicrus Speed (think this was small batch on tap at brewery)
Sprechter (many people have mentioned this one)
Saranac Black Forest Lager

Worst:
Flying Dog's Snake Oil Black Lager ...one of the worst beers I ever had. All spicy heat. Nothing enjoyable at all.

 

I thought I tried most all of Union's canned/distributed beers, but somehow this one slipped by me even though I see it on shelves all the time. I'll definitely grab some next time I see it.

 

I definitely didn’t mean to come off as not thoroughly enjoying it! It’s fantastic, I went 30 minutes out of my way to pick up two more 4pk tallboys of it!

I suppose what I’d be looking for ideally is something along the lines a lower ABV baltic porter. A local brewery near me does one with coffee that is pretty good, but not nearly as clean as Köstritzer or other schwarzbiers.

Sadly I don’t think that makes it down to NE Ohio Unless I’m not looking hard enough for it. Sounds good though.

 

I definitely think you'd enjoy Legal Draft Beer Company's schwarzbier, Black Letter Law. It's dry with a strong roasty flavor (A little stronger than I really like).

 

I recently returned from a two week trip to Germany and Monchshof Schwarzbier was (in my opinion) one the best beers I had there of any style. Monchshof does have some distribution in the US (by Shelton Bros.) but you would have to look up your area and check for freshness. I would buy it regularly if I could find it fresh regularly.

Stateside, Shiner Black Lager is excellent and others noted Sam Adams Black Lager, both of which are widely distributed but might only be found as part of a variety pack.

EDIT: Although, it's not quite a schwarzbier DAB Dark might scratch a similar itch. They call it a Munich Dark Lager, but it's on the lighter side of the style with similar roastiness and light body like schwarzbier... there's some overlap at least and sometimes we can't be too picky in the US with these overlooked styles. DAB Dark is easy on the wallet too.

 

Anybody have any thoughts on Brooklyn’s Insulated Lager & Winter Lager?

It’s been years since I’ve had one, before I was really into beer. They both sound good on paper.

 

Me too. have not seen it but once since they changed the name.

 

This thread made me want a Schwarzbier.

But I have the same problem @steveh has...fridge is too full, mainly with Oktoberfests.

 

Maybe worth a try if you're curious, but see if you can buy singles- I'm kind of 'middle of the road' on both of them. Last year I had Winter Lager and Kostritzer in the house at the same time and the Winter Lager seemed outclassed in comparison. And the Insulated I found to be 'neither here nor there'- too hoppy if looked at from one angle, and not hoppy enough if you tried looking at it from the other; if that makes any sense.

So with both, I didn't really regret getting them, but wasn't feeling like getting either one again.

 

Big fan of the Insulated Lager. Went back and checked my review and I remember it being clean and smooth with a nice roasted malt and chocolate flavor. I'll be picking it up again this winter.

Drinking a Saranac Black Forest as we speak and it's a little on the thin/light bodied side but enjoying it quite a bit.