Literally “Black beer”, a specially brew of the Saxony, Franconia, and Thuringia regions of Germany, it gained more popularity after reunification in the 1990s. It is dark, roasty and smooth. You may also find this labelled German Porter, or Black Pils.
- ABV 4.4-5.4%
- IBU 20-35
- SRM 19-30
- Glassware Pilsner Glass
- Serving Temp 6-10°C
Despite the name, Schwartzbier is actually dark brown, quite clear and has a large head that lasts. Initial aroma is low clean or bready malt, accented by roast, and sometimes a bit of chocolate or caramel. Hops are low and sometimes completely missed. If they are around, expect the floral herbal aromas typical of classic German hops. Despite the illusion presented by the colour, this is a medium-light bodied beer, with pretty decent carbonation levels, and is quite smooth. Any harshness from the roasted malts means someone at the brewery wasn’t paying attention. Look for moderate malt flavour here, again clean or bready with those light roasted flavours coming through, and low if any floral herbal hops. Bitterness is medium here and the dry finish ends with an aftertaste of the low hop and roast bitterness.