Na Zdravi !: Schwarz

Monday, December 07, 2020

Schwarz

Heater Allen Brewing (McMinnville, OR)
"When we first brewed Schwarz we were going for a traditional Schwarzbier. Over the last couple of years, after trips to Germany and the Czech Republic, we have realized our beloved Schwarz is much more similar to a tmavé pivo, or Czech-style dark lager, as it’s a bit rounder and maltier than a German Schwarzbier. The beer's aroma is malty/espresso, with a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, malt, chocolate and espresso flavors take center stage. The sweet maltiness just offsets the more bitter/roasty notes, producing a smooth, rich brew. The hops provide balance, but virtually nothing to the aroma."

A deliciously complex taste of bitter coffee and dark chocolate with a light, malty sweetness. Finishes surprisingly clean and dry.
Heater Allen specializes in lagers and they have certainly mastered the art!
This is a great beer.

ABV 4.8%

Na Zdravi!

A 10-second take.
Not really reviews, just my way to keep track of the beers I've tried.

My mother's family is Czech. They emigrated from Bohemia and settled in Nebraska in the mid-1800s.
They were from the region that included the town Pilzen (Pilsen) where a brewery called Měšťanský pivovar Plzeň, now Pilsner Urquell (Plzeňský Prazdroj in Czech), started brewing a uniquely Bohemian-style beer we now know as pilsner.
So, as I raise a glass in honor of my Bohemian roots ...

Na Zdravi! (to your health).

Hops?

A "hop" is the cone shaped resinous flower of the female hop plant. It is used in brewing to add bitterness, flavor, aroma, and stability depending on when it is added.

Hops are one of the 4 basic ingredients of beer although they are not esential in the brewing process. The are used simply to add flavor and complexity to the brew.
Double and even triple IPA's feature an extreme amount of hops, and an ABV to match.
Noble Hops - The traditional varieties of hops that were used to make early European beers. Medieval brewers used Hallertau, Saaz, Spalt, and/or Tettnang hops. All are from Germany except Saaz from the Czech Republic (Žatec in Czech). All are still used today.