Drinking Schwarzbiers

That's a fair statement.

 

@jbertsch You might want to keep an eye out for Stone Corral's Black Beer (from VT). It's very good and won a GABF medal recently. Personally, I like my schwazbiers with a little lower ABV, lighter mouthfeel, and more refreshing; but most members here would probably disagree with me and prefer Stone Corral's stronger flavored, fuller bodied take on it. Regardless, it's a tasty beer.

 

Not sure where in VT you live but Queen City had a pretty good one.

 

Thanks I'll look out for it the next time I'm in VT.

Coincidentally, I just learned Notch Brewing just released their Black lager this week in 6 pack cans - formerly called "Černé Pivo" - this was a terrific beer the first time it was brewed (last year I think). It was only in bombers the first time so I'm hugely excited for the new format and plan to pick some up today. It's only 4.0% so it might be up your alley....if you're ever in MA

 

Whoa there! You've pleased me greatly with this information!

Černé Pivo's been a Notch seasonal for some years now, but last year's was apparently draft only because for the first time I didn't see any in bottles, much to my chagrin. It's a beautiful example of a flavorful lower-abv brew and I can't wait to find some of this year's iteration.

 

I live in Burlington the bar Im speaking of contracts their house brews out to be brewed at queen city since they don't have the space so its probably very similar if not the same. Honestly I venture to say its the same since I haven't seen a Queen City Schwarz for sale anywhere.

 

My favorite is Live Oak's, but I don't see it very often. I like it way better than the hefeweizen.

 

Sprecher Black Bavarian
Titletown Dark Helmet....tap only I think. May be bottled

 

Just a heads up, and not sure where you're located, but I found it at CBC Newton today.

 

After only having a few examples of the style over the course of 6 years or so (but liking every one), I've had two very recently: Olde Hickory's Black hearted and Blowing Rock's Schwarz and have decided it very well be my favorite lager style. Haven't had Kostritzer or Einbecker yet but will make a conscious effort to try some fresh ones since they're both carried at my local store.

 

Session Black Lager is a very good deal at usually 10 bucks a twelve pack http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/5316/50740/

 

I really must pick up some more Uinta Baba. I recently had what was probably an old sample (slightly astringent finish), but it was good enough to suggest that it could be stellar.

Between that one, Kostritzer and Xingu I don't think I see too many others these days. Once upon a time I could get Einbecker in NY, but even that may have changed.

There's always Czechvar Dark, though, and some of the Baltic beers that are really similar (Baltika 6). That Korean "Stout Beer" is also essentially a schwartzbier- sometimes you have to look beyond what is or isn't on the label and just go for a flavor profile.

 

As mentioned earlier, I recommend you give Shiner Black a shot and they distribute to NJ.

 

Me too! This post just blew my friggin' mind. This is one of my favorite beers period, and arguably Notch's best. If either of you get a chance and see it on cask, it's a must. I had multiple imperial pints of this on cask at Row 34 a few years ago, and it was the best beer I had that entire year.

I always wanted this in a 12 oz. format...the calendar tells me it's October, but it must be May. Because it feels like my birthday.

I also really dig Uinta Baba, and also dig the 4% abv on this one as well. I had a couple bottles of Czechvar Dark recently, delicious stuff. I love this style, and it's not one I drink enough of. I always felt it was the German answer to the Irish Dry Stout.

 

Devil's Backbone here in Virginia makes a schwarzbier several times a year (it's one of the beers with oddball rotating availability -- I don't think it's quite a seasonal release since I've seen fresh six-packs in fall, winter, and spring at least, but it's not always out there like their Vienna Lager and IPA are.) They don't distribute anywhere but Virginia and several surrounding states, though, so maybe a bit tougher to get your hands on than some of the other suggestions. I've had one bottle from a mixed six-pack and I remember it being pretty good, though I haven't had a German example of the style to compare to.

Expanding out to "black lagers" of all types, New Belgium's 1554 was pretty tasty too. I think that one's classified as "Euro Dark Lager" or something on here, though.

 

That's a really good beer, but I've only gotten it as part of the Family Pack. I just don't see it as a standalone around here, unfortunately.

 

Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, MN, makes a killer Schwarzbier called Stargrazer.

 

That would be Magnetron. Great beer!

 

Just saw that Schlafly has 6er cans of their Black Lager/Schwarzbier out again here in VA

 

Tough style to like IMO. Lot of them taste like smokey bandaids to me