So you did not take my word for it that the Guinness Black Lager is abysmal and you went and tried it anyway, didn't you? It sucked, didn't it? What? What do you mean you don't know if it sucked? You don't know how it is supposed to taste? Damn, I didn't consider that. Maybe I should describe for you how a black lager, or schwarzbier is supposed to taste?Schwarzbier is one of the, if not the oldest European beer styles for which we have scientific evidence. Amphora were found in graves in Kulmbach, Germany dating from 800 b.c. with the residue from the brewing process intact. This style of lager is still is brewed at Köstritzer Brewery and has been since 1543 and you should think of it as being similar to a stout or a porter but using lager processes. Simply put a schwarzbier is to a lager as a stout is to an ale.
The Sprecher Black Bavarian is as black as a moonless night with very little light passing through, and like most schwarzbiers, has very little nose, but you should be able to get a hint of the malts, baked bread and perhaps a bit of coffee. The thick, tan head is lasting and leaves a nice lacing on the glass. As you take your first drink you expect the brew to be thick and heavy, but you would be wrong because this is, after all, a lager. The Black Bavarian is light and smooooooth as it dances across your tongue. You will notice the very complex toasted malts as the flavor maker and though you expect it to be sweet, it is not at all. You will also notice cocoa, toasted bread, carmel and coffee and then the big finish is a wonderful dry finish provided by the hops.
This, my friends, is what a black lager, or a schwarzbier is supposed to taste like and I highly recommend searching to find this delight.
The beer is not available in Texas (big surprise there, eh?) but is easily located as you travel to the north and east or better yet, go to the brewery in Wisconsin and hang out in their beer garden and drink yourself goofy.
Sprecher Brewing Company
701 W. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, Wisconsin 53209
http://www.sprecherbrewery.com/index.php
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