April 12th, 2010 by Nate
It is not often that I am presented with a German Bier from a friend. They know all too well that I like to search, source, secure and sip the biers myself. However I am always surprised by friends who when holidaying buy me a bier to try.
The above Schwaben Bräu Weizen was gifted to me by a Brazilian mate of mine after his recent trip to Germany. Besides being damn cool that your friend would think to bring some bier back for you, the bier was from quite a reputable brauerei (I’ve reviewed their Echte bier here).
Those of you who visit here regularly, you know that I’m a little bit of a Wheat Bier fan. So it is not easy for me to find a wheat bier that is like ‘super amazing’. There are a few, and they are appropriately categorised. You will also know that Bayern (Bavaria) is the home of Weizen biers. But it is not uncommon to find weizen bier coming from other parts of the land. The Schwaben Bräu is actually located in the Bavarian neighbouring state of Baden-Württemberg, more famous for the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) than it’s biers.
On a side note each time I read the names of the biers from Schwaben Bräu, Das Weize, Das Echte, etc; I just want to yell “das boot“. Anyway, I digress.
So when reviewing the above Das Weizen I can’t help but be objective. And to be honest, this was good. The texture of the bier was up there with some of the better Weizen biers, that chewy feel that I talk about so much was there as well. The flavour was good, but like many Weizen biers, it’s hard to call it great. It’s certainly a good one and one you should share with friends, but there are (a few) better ones out there. But considering that it’s not really from the home of Weizen biers, this must be respected as a solid and strong alternative.
Das Weizen, Schwaben Bräu, Weisse Bier, Weizen, wheat bier
March 8th, 2010 by Nate
Regular readers of this blog will know that I’m a little bit of a fan of Weisse Biers. So when I get the chance to try a new variation, I dive in clothes and all. In a recent trip to Zürich I visited the lovely and albeit kitschZeughauskeller. It’s a typical ‘Bavarian’ bier und essen halle (beer and food hall) full of ornate woodwork and middle age weapons and armor.
In fact I had actually visited the Zeughauskeller way back in 2007 with a mate of mine and that is where I tried for the first time the Schneider & Sohn Aventinus. So it’s not short on good bier.
I had not previously tasted the Hofbräu Schwarze Weisse. In additional I also happen to be a fan of other Hofbräu brews. So this was a must. At first appearances the bier actually looks similar to that of a Franziskaner Dunkel (which has been discussed in depth over at the Brew Club site). But looks aside the Hofbräu is a little different. I found it to be a quality experience, from the dark pour and the aromatic sweetness and finally the lovely mouthy, chewy feel to the bier. This is certainly up there with the best Weisse biers around.
My only issue with this bier, especially when contrasted against other ‘dark’ weisse biers is that the taste just couldn’t compete with that of the Franziskaner. Specifically there was an almost salty finish to the flavour. Look it’s not bad at all, in fact if I had not previously tried the Franziskaner Dunkel, this Hofbräu Schwarze would probably be getting 5 steins. However as this is not the case, I didn’t like the Hofbräu as much as the Franziskaner. In the end this is simply a matter of individual taste. So this gets a 4 stein +
Hell just writing this review makes me want one right now….. should invest in some on my next trip to Deutschland!
Bavarian bier, German Bier, Hofbräu, Hofbräu Schwarze Weisse, Weisse Bier, Zeughauskeller
