Sometimes called black lagers, they may remind some of German-style dunkels, but schwarzbiers are drier, darker and more roast-oriented.These very dark brown to black beers have a surprisingly pale-colored foam head (not excessively brown) with good cling quality. They have a mild roasted malt character without the associated bitterness. Malt flavor and aroma is at low to medium levels of sweetness.
German-Style Schwarzbier
Category: Dark Lagers
Food Pairings
- Mushroom Strudel
- Munster-Style Cheese
- Fruit Tart
Commercial Examples
- DTB Schwarzbier, Desperate Times Brewery
- Black Bavarian, Sprecher Brewing Co.
- Sam Adams Black Lager, Boston Beer
Appearance
Color
Very Dark Brown to Black
Clarity
Clear
Carbonation (Visual)
Medium to Fast Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Not Detectable to Mild
Hop
Hop aroma and flavor are very low to low, deriving from noble-type hops. Hop bitterness is low to medium
Malt
Reminiscent of bitter chocolate or coffee. Malt sweetness is low to medium, and incorporates mild roasted malt character without the associated bitterness
Esters
Not common to style
Phenols
Not common to style
Sensations
Body
Soft
Carbonation
Medium to High
Finish Length
Medium
Attenuation
Medium
Ingredients
Hops
German Noble
Malt
Pilsner, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate Malt, Black Roasted Barley, Carafa Special II
Water
Varies
Yeast
Lager
