Zoller Zwickel

 Zoller Zwickel. 

5.5 % ABV, 18 IBU. Brauwerie Zoller-Hof, Sigmaringen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

When was the last time I had a zwickel?  I certainly can't remember. Perhaps I had a zwickel but it was called a Keller, who knows? Well, let's not wait around, we're going to crack this crown and reacquaint ourselves. 

Lightly hazed, bright yellow color, large, rocky, ivory head. 

In the nose: Slight citrus, floral notes. Touch grainy. 

In the mouth: Minor hops on the palate, leaving some somelemony, citruys flavors. Light yeast flavor keeps this from being too crisp and clean. Light bodied, smooth, refreshing and just about tasty. 

What is a zwickel, anyway? Let's check Wikipedia....Zwickelbier[edit]

The term Zwickelbier refers to a weaker and less full-flavored variant of Kellerbier.[2] Originally, it was used to refer to the small amount of beer taken by a brewmaster from the barrel with the aid of a special siphon called the Zwickelhahn.

It is less hoppy, and typically not left to age as long as Kellerbier.

Then, what's a Kellerbier? Kellerbier is a type of German beer, a lager, which is typically neither clarified nor pasteurised.[1] The term Kellerbier literally translates as "cellar beer", referring to its cool lagering temperatures. Its recipe probably dates to the Middle Ages.