John's Beer Blog: schwarzbier

In a recent visit to the mile-high city, we visited some old friends at the Wynkoop Brewing Company at 18th & Wynkoop in downtown Denver.

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Accompanying my very good BBQ ribs, I sampled their Railyard Ale and B3K Schwarzbier.

From Wynkoop's website:

B3K Schwarzbier
This German-style black lager has a deep color and gently roasted flavors balanced by an understated hoppiness. A thirst-quenching version of dark beer. A 2008 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal Winner in the German Schwarzbier category. ABV 5.3%
Railyard Ale
Our flagship brew is a smooth, amber beer that combines the malty goodness of an Octoberfest lager with the slight fruitiness of an ale. Hearty but refreshing. ABV 5.2%
BBQ Ribs
1 1/4 pounds of smoked and chile beer braised porks ribs glazed with our homemade BBQ sauce served with pub fries and coleslaw. $15.95 Chef's beer selection: Railyard Ale

Both were good, but I preferred the schwarzbier. It had a sweetness to it, oddly like that of a root beer. Not that it was like drinking alcoholic root beer, it just had some similarities in the taste. Quite interesting, and somewhat different from the only other schwarzbier that I've tried, Shiner '99 Bohemian Black Lager. The food and beer were good and a grand time was had by all at the Wynkoop. I'd definitely recommend it if you have a chance to visit.

Date:	11/16/2007
Brewery:	Spoetzl Brewery
Beer:	Shiner Bohemian Black Lager - Shiner 97
Origin:	Shiner, TX
Style:	Schwarzbier
Container:	12 oz. brown glass bottle, screw cap
Purchased:	Kegs & Barrels, Plano, TX
Price:	$6.99 per 6-pack
Alcohol:	4.9% ABV ABV
Brewer's Description:	Don't be afraid of the dark. Here in Shiner, Texas (Pop. 2,070), we've been handcrafting beer since 1909. The passion of our original brewmaster, Kosmos Spoetzl, continues to inspire our efforts today. First brewed to commemorate our 97th anniversary, this Bohemian black lager remains true to the old-world heritage of the German and Czech immigrants who settled Shiner. Imported Czech Saaz and Styrian hops, and select roasted malts make this "Schwarzbier" our darkest brew yet. PROSIT! This rare and delicious style of beer is referred to in Germany as a "Schwarzbier", or black beer. This handcrafted Bohemian black beauty is brewed with select roasted malts and imported hops.
Appearance:	Very dark brown in color. Can barely see a light through it when held up to a light source. Poured moderate head but did not retain it very long. Too dark to see bubbles. Similar in appearance to a porter or an Anchor Bock.
Aroma:	Can smell some spice. Not much else, but I am getting a cold so my nose isn't at its best.
Taste:	Has both a sweet and spice note. More taste after its swallowed.
Mouth Feel:	Has a good feel. Not as thick/viscous as a porter. Carbonation level is good.
Drinkability:	This is a good beer. I like it more now than when I tried my first bottle of it. It grows on you.
Score:	6 / 10