German-Style Schwarzbier - CraftBeer.com
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Beer Styles

German-Style Schwarzbier

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.

Category: Dark Lagers

Food Pairings

  • Mushroom Strudel
  • Munster-Style Cheese
  • Fruit Tart

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Flute
45-50 °F

Commercial Examples

Commercial Examples

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

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