Hello. Does anyone here have any thoughts or a POV on Warsteiner using hops versus how it is produced now with hop extracts. The beer still tastes as a remember it, though the case I just bought (in cans) was my first of the brand in probably 4-5 years, maybe longer. It's totally serviceable and a steal at 10.99 a case after a 5 dollar rebate, but I'm still curious to know what others think. Has the quality dropped, or what about the experience has changed (head retention, aroma, etc.) This is my new session/cheap beer, when I want refreshment without sitting in front of my beer fridge vacillating for 10 minutes. go beer
Most of the Fernseherbiers (TV beers) have hop extracts these days. It is allowed under the current tax law interpretation of the RHG. Traditionalist do not like that. Edit - some highly rated American IPAs such as Pliny the Elder use hop extracts for bittering.
A good chunk of Lagunitas' beers use extracts...and it's no secret. They even brag about it on the bottle of Sucks. That said, I have a feeling that the German public probably has a different opinion. I don't mind Warsteiner, but it's more of a consolation beer because I know it's usually fresher than most imports.
No history with Warsteiner beer before (with hops) vs now (hop extract) and certainly didn't know till now that the Warsteiner I've had used extract. I also know of at least one small brewery that produces their entire line of beers using hop extract. Looking through the reviews on those beers on sites like this one I don't find any mention of people saying the extract makes them taste "different." So I don't think the quality or flavors of their beers would be markedly improved by using dried pellets. I personally enjoy their beers and will be quite happy to continue drinking them once in a while. Sounds to me like you've got a good choice for an inexpensive always in the refrigerator beer.
Does it still say "Brewed under the Reinheitsgebot" on the packaging? I remember picking up Warsteiner all the time when I was first getting into Craft.
I've been enjoying Warsteiner for probably the last 8 years or so and I really have not seen a change in quality or a change in the taste over this time. This is one of my summertime go to's.
