Would you buy old imported German beer or fresh locally brewed German style beer?

I’m not sure I’ve seen that mant good craft versions of German beers. I think there are better options from Germany.
I would favor fresh beers in general.

 

I more frequently buy imported German styles over locally made German styles. But if I lived in PA or New England, there’s a lot more quality locals at reasonable prices and I’m sure I’d swing much more towards locals. It’s very regional.

 

I didn't vote because I'm a ticker. If I see something I want that I haven't had, I'll usually buy it without regard to how fresh it is. It all depends on the beer, though.

 

Yeah, today it seems insane, especially for this community in particular. I agree though that they could easily just produce the beer in August and then put it out on shelves. We’re not exactly cave lagering anymore

 

With this freshie from a local brewery currently in hand (WBAYDN? cross-post)...

...my poll choice easy.

Magical sauce, this.

Schneeberg Franconian Braunbier | Schilling Beer Co.

I would take this over FRESH imported German beer any day!

 

I will occasionally spend the $15+ for a 4-pack of local craft lager. Moonlight's Reality Czech is a sure winner for example. Other times I will try something new at this price point and be disappointed. Trumer at $10/6-pack is the value proposition.

 

For me - it depends. I voted local, primarily because I can get fresh German styles from Goldfinger and Art History.

As many have said, fresh imports would be ideal and I buy when I can. But, they do hold up better than most US versions of their respective styles. I do remember when 6 months was the freshest that could normally be found- maybe that nostalgia is helping?

 

Far too many variables in this subject to provide a pat answer to the question.

Right now I have 6 month old local Festbier in my stash that's tasing better than it did in September, IMO. I also have 3 month old Munich Helles that has that perfect Bavarian melanoidin character no American brewery ever seems to be able to match.

OTOH -- I also have 10 month old Bavarian (import) Pils that's holding on to great malt and hop characters -- and the same age American-brewed German-style Pils that's holding up just as well.

So, what would I pick? It depends on my mood at the shelf. Much like all my choices.

However, I won't buy out of date beer or beer close to it (say 2 months out).

 

I'd love to try Troegenator but im in Cali and have never seen it around here. I'd be willing to trade ... if that's still allowed on here?

 

Weird question - why must I choose? I had a smoked beer from Bamburg last weekend - it was probably 4 months old or so - then had some fresh continental Lagers at my local brewpub. I enjoyed both. Please add a 3rd choice to your poll.

 

Local, definitely.

When it’s Oktoberfest season imports tend to be pretty fresh so I’ll buy some of those. That is, if I’m not celebrating in Munich again.

 

People that don't care what they're drinking to start with

 

I will only even look at German Imports if they are known to be seasonal/fresh. There are enough local/regional producers putting out great quality FRESH beers that this is a no-brainer here in Arkansas.

Perhaps the other thing fueling my bias; no great width or depth of German Brewers selling here. Ayinger, Tucher & Weinenstepahner (sp ) sometimes get my money. I am very impressed with many of the German styled brewers I have tried from Cali to North Carolina to Mass,

 

If I have a quality local option - like KC Bier - I'm taking that over old 'authentic' imported German beer. Fort Collins, CO has Zwei and Austin, TX has Live Oak, which would also be my pick if I lived in those areas.

Freshness is a little less important to me with German beer though, especially relative to a NE IPA or adjuncted stout. It would really depend on some matrix of: freshness, styles available, style I want, etc..

 

In the past couple months I've had Hofbrau Delicator, Weihenstephan Korbinian, and Winter Spezial on tap. All three were phenomenal and I can't say I've had a US craft brewer match what those tasted like. Some come close though.

 

I've had wonderful Braunbier in Franconia. This looks lighter in color. I'm not sure it would be better than fresh Metzgerbräu Braunbier.

 

I'm able to travel to Germany once a year, and have grown very fond of the beers brewed in and around Bamberg. Those are from smaller breweries, and often the beers don't hold up as well. Once here in the states they have lost some quality.

So I voted for fresh local even though it is not as good as fresh German beers