Schwarzbier
Meaning “black beer,” and generally very dark brown to almost black, Schwarzbier’s hue might deceive the uninitiated, as it is a light- to medium-bodied lager, unlike most very dark and heavy ales, such as Porters and Stouts. A refreshing dark beer with smooth character and relatively low alcohol, Schwarzbier delivers malty aromas and flavors of chocolaty-caramel sweetness with hints of coffee. Roasty notes and mild Noble hops keep the sweetness in check, and its very dark color and generally dry finish distinguish it from Munich Dunkel Lager.| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Malty, Roasty-Sweet, Earthy, Light - to Medium-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 3.8 – 5.5% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 21-32 |
| Popular Examples | Köstritzer Schwarzbier, Mönchshof Schwarzbier, Xingu Black Beer, Samuel Adams Black Lager, Fort Collins Kidd Lager, Saranac Black Forest Lager, The Duck-Rabbit Schwarzbier, Shiner Bohemian Black Lager |
| Serving Temperature | Cool, 46-54° |
| Glassware | Pilsner Glass, Pint or Nonic |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Gruyère, Munster |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Hearty, spicy foods, including roasted meats, barbecue and sausages |
