Steel Toe Schwarzbier German-Style Dark Lager

Steel Toe Schwarzbier German-Style Dark Lager.

5.1% ABV, 22 IBU, Steel Toe Brewing, St. Louis Park, MN.

In the 10+ years of this blog, there have been only 11 appearances of a schwarzbier. And only one of them is from it’s fatherland, Germany. That would be Kostritzer. There are two from Dave’s BrewFarm, one from Japan, one from Brazil, and the rest from Minnesota and Wisconsin breweries. Hey, breweries of the world: make more schwarzbiers, because I want to drink them!

Leave it to Steel Toe to give us their version, but guys, did it have to take you ten years?

Nearly full-on blackness, almost complete opacity, short-lived brownish head.

In the nose: coffee and cocoa, together as one. Roasted malts. Toasty and sweet. So very nice.

In the mouth: the dark flavors that you would find in a porter or stout are playing in the field of dark German lagers. Toasty, roasty, coffee and a hint of cocoa and nuts.  Moderate bitterness, great balance, just  a bit of breadiness, and ever-so smooth. And ever-so tasty. 

I like a good schwarzbier, and this is one. A very good one. 

The style of Schwarzbier literally in German “black beer” originates from the Thuringia, Saxony and Franconia regions. So few German examples are exported, you may have never even come across this style. Lo and behold, the latest release in our ongoing brewers series is a true to style version. Deep mahogany in color with a ruby veil. The aroma is of chocolate and floral hops. The flavor has just enough of a dark chocolate character to provide interest, mild coffee, with a crisp dry finish. Very mild bitterness and supremely drinkable. This beer is as perfect on a hot summer day, as it is on a cool late summer night. It hits all the right highlights of a dark beer, while maintaining a light pilsner-like quality. Please enjoy our latest offering. Prost!

Color: Dark brown with ruby highlights

Aroma: Chocolate, floral

Flavor: Floral dark chocolate, clean, light on the pallet, dry mild bitterness finish.

Alcohol content by volume: 5.1%

International Bitterness Units: 22