Pilsner, the Czech Original

After discussing German Pilsners last week, it makes sense to turn south towards the Czech Republic and look at Bohemian Pilsners. Bohemian Pilsners are the original, first developed in Plzen, Czech in 1842. The story goes that a German Lager Yeast was smuggled from Germany, and combined with Plzen’s soft water, pale malts and Saaz … Read more

Pilsner, the classic German style

Last week we discussed Dunkelweizens, not the first style that comes to mind when discussing German beers. But there’s a good chance one of the first will be Pilsner, Germany’s most famous style. Pilsners are crisp and bitter, and can have a dry finish. You’ll notice grainy flavors, reminding you of bread or biscuits, and … Read more

Dunkelweizen, Hefeweizen’s Darker Cousin

In the past few weeks we’ve looked at three popular styles from the US, Britain and Belgium. Let’s go to Germany this week and discuss Dunkelweizen. Don’t confuse Dunkelweizen, an ale, with Dunkel lager, also called Munich Dunkel. Dunkel simple means “dark.” Dunkelweizen, like Hefeweizen, is a wheat ale, just a dark one. But it’s not … Read more

Brown Porter, the Working Man’s Beer

Last week I said I don’t have a favorite beer, but I have a few favorite styles. Like Belgian Wit, Brown Porter is another favorite. Although it’s usually called Porter, it’s full name distinguishes it from Robust and Baltic Porters, which are delicious in their own right. Many well-known American Porters actually fall into the Robust … Read more

Whether Wit, Witbier or Biere Blanche… it’s all good

People often ask about my favorite beer, and I’ve found I can’t answer that easily. It depends on the season, what I’m doing and what I’m eating. But there are several styles that I’m particularly fond. Belgian Wit is top-five. When I’m in the mood for a refreshing, easy drinking beer, I grab a Wit. … Read more