Schwarzbier
Schwarzbier means black beer. It is a dark lager with a gentle roasted flavor and a clean, dry finish. It looks like a stout and drinks more like a pilsner, with a light to medium body and moderate strength.
Food pairings
- Grilled meat and sausages
- Barbecue
- Mild blue cheese
Glassware and serving temperature
Pilsner or stange glass45 to 50°F (7–10°C)
What it tastes like
Mild dark chocolate, a little coffee and toasted bread, without the sharp burnt edge of a stout. The body is light and the finish is crisp and dry. It is drier and less sweet than a dunkel, and lighter than a porter.
Where it comes from
Schwarzbier is the traditional dark beer of eastern Germany. Köstritzer, from a brewery in Bad Köstritz founded in 1543, is the best-known example and was reportedly a favorite of Goethe. The style survived East Germany and spread worldwide after reunification.
How to serve it
7–10°C in a pilsner or stange glass. It is a session beer and should not be served warm like a stout.
What to eat with it
Grilled meat, sausages, barbecue, roast vegetables, Mexican food and mild blue cheese.
