Drinking Schwarzbiers

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by GSS, Oct 26, 2015.

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  1. DrRambis

    DrRambis Initiate (0) Jan 10, 2014 New Jersey

    That's a fair statement.
     
  2. Ranbot

    Ranbot Pooh-Bah (2,463) Nov 27, 2006 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    @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.
     
  3. bluehende

    bluehende Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2010 Delaware

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

    jbertsch Pooh-Bah (2,874) Dec 14, 2008 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    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 :wink:
     
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  5. bleakies

    bleakies Maven (1,355) Apr 11, 2011 Massachusetts

    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.
     
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  6. wsd627

    wsd627 Initiate (0) Nov 18, 2013 Vermont

    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.
     
  7. Matt141

    Matt141 Initiate (0) Mar 2, 2015 Texas

    My favorite is Live Oak's, but I don't see it very often. I like it way better than the hefeweizen.
     
  8. Mitchell57

    Mitchell57 Zealot (626) Jan 8, 2013 Wisconsin

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

    jbertsch Pooh-Bah (2,874) Dec 14, 2008 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Just a heads up, and not sure where you're located, but I found it at CBC Newton today.
     
  10. Immortale25

    Immortale25 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,775) May 13, 2011 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    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.
     
  11. mudbug

    mudbug Pooh-Bah (1,762) Mar 27, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah

  12. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,884) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    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.
     
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  13. Ranbot

    Ranbot Pooh-Bah (2,463) Nov 27, 2006 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

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

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
    #54 AlcahueteJ, Oct 29, 2015
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2015
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  15. Pantalones

    Pantalones Initiate (0) Nov 14, 2014 Virginia

    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.
     
  16. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,884) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    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.
     
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  17. HomeBrewed

    HomeBrewed Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2006 Minnesota

    Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, MN, makes a killer Schwarzbier called Stargrazer.
     
  18. muddyh2oblues

    muddyh2oblues Initiate (0) Mar 13, 2010 Illinois

    That would be Magnetron. Great beer!
     
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  19. MistaRyte

    MistaRyte Pooh-Bah (2,681) Jan 14, 2008 Virginia
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Just saw that Schlafly has 6er cans of their Black Lager/Schwarzbier out again here in VA
     
  20. Fox82791

    Fox82791 Initiate (0) Jun 20, 2014 New York

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