Karmeliten Kloster Gold

Style: helles
Tested: Bottle, early 2015
Brewed: Karmeliten Brauerei Karl Stum, Germany

Problem with beer testing is that I have tried a lot of beer, that simply is average. Not good, not bad just average. I have always postponed to write about this beers, but this is the week (or two), where I will try to get rid of them. Karmeliten Kloster Gold is just average, nothing special. NOTHING.

IRLBACHER PREMIUM

Style: helles

Tested: Bottle, 2015

Brewed: Schlossbrauerei Irlbach, Germany

Probably, if I would be born around this brewery, this would be the beer I would drink and love. Since I am not - Irlbacher Premium is just another boring, lame product of German Brew Law. Its not bad beer, its not good either. Boring.

Viru

Style: Pils
Tested: bottle, spring 2015
Brewed: A. le Coq Brewery, Estland

Viru is the firs beer from Estland I have ever tried. That is a plus. It is also a well made commercial beer, pils-style, that can easily stand a comparison with any German commercial Pils. On contrary - this means that Viru is also boring like hell and I don´t really see any reason to buy it again.

Alsfelder Landbrauerei Bock

Style: Bock
Tested: Bottle, early 2015
Brewed: Alsfelder Landbrauerei

My new favorite Bock from Germany. Strong, aromatic, tasty - one of the best bocks Germany gave us. And its eve better - you can get it in Bio Markts and Rewe. Go for it.

OARIS 

Style: Russian Imperial Stout (Oak Aged)
Tested: Bottle, early 2015
Brewed: Muellerschoppe, Germany

Let's bring it to the point - I am familiar with the imperial stout type, but never had a Russian, oak aged subtype before - therefore, whatever I say below may be wrong, because its just supposed to be that way. Also, just a disclaimer, I made sure that beer was still in its "best before" time.
Enough talking - it is disgusting - it may be the first time I have just thrown away half a bottle of rather expensive beer. There may be some stout taste left but it is overwhelmed by a strong sour taste - but not the funny sort (like Gose), its rather heavy like in some "medicine grade, heavy CO2/Sulphur containing" mineral waters. Not sure whether it was wanted or its an accident, but, according to me it all went wrong. Horrible.

HOP SASA

Style: Polish IPA
Tested: Bottle, Mai 2015
Brewed: Ale Browar, Poland

It is true that I like bitter beer. Usually, the bitter, the better. But for the first time in my life I have realized that bitter is not everything - best Polish brewery asked themselves a simple question - can you brew an IPA using only Polish hops. My answer is - yes you can, but you should not! For the first time in my life I taste the beer that is simply bitter, nothing else, no additional malt, no fruits, flowers etc. Just bitter. And I don´t like it. Bleeeee.

GOSE

Style: Gose
Tested: Bottle, July 2015
Brewed: Ale Mania, Germany

Have you ever heard about Gose? No? No surprise. Gose is quite ancient beer, which become popular in the regions around Leipzig. It is very special one - it is like nothing like I have tasted before - no bitter taste, strong sour taste (much more than Berliner Kindl), little sweet note. If you are looking for a beer, its is a no go. But if you are looking for something new, it is surely worth trying. Interesting.

SIMCO 3

Style: APA (Americna Pale Ale)
Tested: Bottle, 2014, 2015
Brewed: Riegele BierManufactur, Germany

Another great beer from Germany (Germans don´t be so happy - over 85% of beer sold in your country is boring mass production). Just to get straight to the point Riegele brewed an excellent beer - with a decent bitter taste, but very sparkling refreshing at the same time (maybe a small mango aftertaste is there). But there is more. Finally some German brewery realized that 0.33 l. is size for girls. 0.66 is much better. And on top Riegele joins a small group of German craft breweries, who are really interested that their product reaches the masses - yes, the price is only 6,05€/liter (at least 1.5€ less than German average for a craft beer). Well done boys. Keep doing!

Rowling Jack

Style: IPA
Tested: More than one bottle (usually, much more) 2014 and 2015
Brewed: Ale Browar, Poland

It is a real pleasure to introduce one of my most favorite beers - Rowling Jack. With its 70 IBU its not everybody´s beer. Especially people used to drink beer-flavored water (e.g.: Licher) will have their problems. But it is worth the effort (and 70 IBU is nothing the real man can´t take), especially since the bitter taste is smoothened by light citrus note and sweet malts. Really an extraordinary beer. Holiday season for real beer lovers is opened - and the only direction is Poland!

WELDE Jahrgangsbier 6th Edition

Type: Lager Bock
Tested: Bottle, 2015
Brewed: Weldebräu, Germany

I see this as an achievement that I have managed to try this one - not because it is hard to get (it is, but not impossible), but because Welde represents for me the worst side of the mass beer production in Germany. Every beer from Welde I have tasted is a misuse of the German Brewing Law. But surprise, surprise - Welde`s lager Bock is really very good beer, with its flowery/fruit fresh aroma its sticks out of the mass production. Respect Welte, you still have some people khow now how to brew.

Tannen Hell

Type: helles
Tested: Botthe, December 2014
Brewed: Hohenthanner Schlossbrauerei, Germany

The problem wit a lot of typical German beers is that they all taste the same. You may say what you want but the vast majority of so called "helles" will make no difference even for a beer lover. It is an advance of the German beer law - that strictly regulated beer production, therefore all German beer will have some pretty high quality. On the other hand it is the disadvantage of the same law - if you brew according to it you are screwed - no experiments, no brilliant beers. proper but boring! I don´t know whether this one is brewed according to a beer law, and I don´t care. Because there are things more important in life like being original and sticking out from the crowd (which most of the German beer can´t do). Tannen Hell is brilliant beer - aromatic, fresh in taste. Tickling on the tongue. It kicks ass.

Kozel

Style: dark beer
Tested: Bottle, 2015
Brewed: Velke Popovice Brewery, Czech Republic

Honestly, I was pretty disappointed with the Kozel. On one hand it has nice dark color and attractive foam. On the other hand it lack any taste that can be connected with a beer. Closest comparison would be  - it tastes like drinking paper. If you are a paper freak - this one is for you - the rest - stay away.

GREENE KING IPA

Style: IPA
Tasted, Bottle, April 2015
Brewed: Greene King UK

It was one of these days. I came home tired and really, really needed a beer. Rich, thick, bitter...
OK, what can be better than some IPA? And the IPA coming from UK must be brilliant. Lets go Greene King!
First sip and my world is ruined - no bitter taste at all, or rather no taste almost. Short look at the label tells you that this one has 3,6% of alcohol. So that how the alcohol-free IPA tastes like*. Horrible. This beer could be accepted as nice pils or lager, as IPA it stands no chance. It would not make it to India either.

* there is one alternative possibility - this is a king of British sense of humor. This beer is perfectly fine for a joke.

BLACK SHEEP

Style: Stout
Tested: Bottle, 2014
Brewed: Brauhaus Gusswerk, Austria

Lets keep it straight, it is one of the best stouts I have ever had. It can easily stand a direct comparison with Guinness. Dark, smooth aromatic. Pure joy.
Go and get it.

Köstritzer Red Lager

Style: red lager
Tested: bottle, April 2015
Brewed: Köstritzer, Germany

I have some quite mixed feelings about this one - on one hand it is very good, lager beer. Because of its unusual color and taste, it should be able to win a heart of any "lighter"-beer-fan. On the other hand - this beer was released in the "Masterworks" series  - and it does not belong here! Its good, but not brilliant. Still - if you are able to get one, go for it.
BTW: Dear Köstritzer - I believe you may have somebody responsible for the distribution of your beer. But my belief is solely based on my knowledge of the company structure. Is this person on the leave? Or constantly sick? Something must be wrong since getting any of your beers (except the dark one*) is a nightmare. And my personal feeling is, that its getting worse.

* this one is only medium-hard to get

Beck´s Amber Lager

Style: Amber Lager
Tested: 2015, Bottle
Brewed: Beck´s & Co, Germany

Dear Beck´s brewery. Why do you even try your luck with beers different than a simple pils/lager? Your pale ale was a piece of sh... But look at this one - it is very nice, tasty lager. Bit better that the majority of lagers on the German market, and really good enough to not put a shame on your heads. Please accept the fact that this is your style and keep doing.

SNJ 20000

Style: Lager
Tested: 2015, Bottle
Brewed: SNJ Group, India


Here comes the exotic one. Brewed, bottled and smuggled from India (thanks Ramesh). Get me something different I have asked - and so I got this one. Lager beer with 7,5% of alcohol. Yes, you got it right. 7,5%. It looks very nice, clean yellow beer. Nothing to complain. The first sip, and the shock - it is SWEET. Yes, sweet. It may not be Pepsi, but its sweet enough to kill all other taste. Interesting to try, but nothing more - sorry, maybe a small danger - it is sold in 650 ml bottles. Since its sweet you just drink it like a refreshing drink. Until its too late...

 

Beck´s Pale Ale

Style: Pale Ale
Tested: 20.03.2015, bottle
Brewed: Becks Brewery, Bremen, Germany


I was so happy, when I have seen this one. Finally, another big company came out with the British style beer. Hopefully, it will be almost as good as Köstritzer. And I immediately got 8 bottles, just to stock up.
Stupid me,
Beck´s Pale Ale is not the worst Pale Ale I have tried in my life. The main problem is - it does not resemble Pale Ale at all. It is just another Beck´s beer, it is fully loaded with CO2, and it leaves the same, very characteristic aftertaste, as the regular Beck´s do. The only thing about it is the price. It is cheap, but still does not worth the money. Stay away.

Bosch Porter

Style: Porter
Brewed: Brauerei Bosch (Germany)
Tested: Bottle, 2013, 2014

It is really hard for me to write about this porter. Why? This beer apparently won the European Beer Star 2007 for the best dark beer? Sounds great, so where is the problem. The problem is - no matter how hard I try. it does not taste like Porter to me! Really. Excellent dark beer? Yes. Porter? NO, no, no. Want a porter try something else.

London Stout


Style: Stout
Brewed: Meantime Brewing Company (London, UK)
Tested: Bottle, January 2015

I think that Friday may be a good time to introduce this one to you. It is enough time to get the next flight to London, get pumped with this Stout and come back to work on Monday (or stay longer...).
London Stout is really something. If you consider Guiness as an example of a very good Stout (it really is!), then London Stout is amazing, ass kicking stout. Dark, rich in taste with wonderful, very fine foam. Thanks for Martyna and Richard for a possibility to try this one.

Stella Artois

Style: Lager
Brewed: All around the world
Tested: Bottle, 2013, 2014

I have to admit that I really enjoy people tasting this beer and acting happy since they are having a Belgian beer...
Just to make it clear - its not a bad lager, it is actually quite a good one. Still its a shame for the Belgian beer. Stella Artois has nothing to do with the Belgian brewery tradition. Trapist beer, blonde, wittbeer, ale and many others - these are clearly Belgian beers. Brewing lager in Belgium is like getting a "Schnitzel" in Paris. It may be good, but it will be a shame for Paris cooks. Decide for yourself.

Dolden Sud

Style: IPA
Brewed: Riedenberger Brauhaus
Tested: Bottle, still getting it;)

Let´s be honest - German market is weird - anything but the Pils-type is priced as a luxury (with the average price of over €7/l). So what can you say if you accidentally stumble upon this one? IPA? In Germany? Priced at €4,5/l? Clear first idea - this must be a crap. Still at this price, this would be a shame not to try - and surprise, surprise - its really a good beer. It may not be the best IPA you ever had, some people may complain about the relative low bitter taste (IBU 55), but the truth is - if you are an IPA fan, there is now way over this beer (at least if you live in Germany). Additionally - let´s not forget - you may get this one in the BioMarkt (which is usually close to your local Rewe) - and this alone makes it 10x better accessible than any other IPA in Germany. Well done Riedenberger!

Xoco

Style: IPA
Brewed: Mashsee Brauerei (Germany)
Tested: Bottle, January 2015

Personally, I am a big fan of beer experiments. But, from time to time an experiment may go wrong. This actually is the case here. Well, it is supposed to be an IPA with the chocolate. Yes, you can feel some chocolate aroma here, but the IPA part is lost. Bitter taste is gone (if I´m right it has IBU 30, a joke for an IPA). Sorry folks - it may be interesting to try one, but IPA fans will rather be disappointed.

The Brale

Style: Brown Ale
Brewed: Braufactum (Frankfurt am Main, Germany)
Tested: Bottle, since 2014 and still doing it


Piece of history (last year;). We were sitting down and having a nice Kellerbeer (really nice, no joke). Everybody was praising it. Then, we have decided to try The Brale. It was like the lightning strike. Awesome! Partially we felt ashamed to consider the beer before good.
Yes, The Brale is that good.
Sadly, the pricing is similar to to other beers sold by Braufactum (€7/l), but this time the economical argument does not apply - it´s the only brown ale you can buy in Germany (correct me if I´wrong).
So, no alternatives, we are all doomed. Pay, cry and enjoy!

Palor

Style: Pale Ale
Brewed: Braufactum (Germany)
Tested: Bottle, 2014

Just to summarize - this is very good pane ale, tasty, bitter and aromatic. Certainly worth trying. But...
Braufactum has set the price of Palor at €7,01/l, if you consider the market (Köstritzer Pale Ale!!!), this price is a joke! Why would anybody buy Palor, if you can get probably better (question of taste) beer at the much better price... Of course, I understand that Braufactum is a small brewery, and the costs of production are higher. Still the market decides, and setting the price at this level is like stabbing the knife in its own back.

Köstritzer Pale Ale

Style: Pale Ale
Brewed: Köstritzer (Germany)
Tested: Bottle (many bottles), 2014

Köstritzer Pale Ale can be used as an argument in the discussion which beer is better  - company or crafted. Let me put some things straight - its a company beer and its the best pale ale I have tried in my life. On top of this, Köstritzer Pale Ale is one of the best beers I have tried in Germany. If you add to this that pricing is very reasonable - approx. €2,5/l. if you can buy in the regular shop (some ridiculous online shops will double this price) there is no reason to drink another Pale Ale (at least in Germany). One point  - dear Köstritzer - your distribution network sucks, I simply cannot understand, why can´t I buy Pale Ale everywhere where you are selling your dark beer. Please, do something about it. Beer locator is nice, but not sufficient (http://www.koestritzer.de/produkte/koestritzer-meisterwerke/#prettyPhoto[iframe]/0/).

Indianer Bock

Style: Bock/Kozlak
Brewed: Brauerei Max Wolf Karlsruhe
Tested: Bottle, December 2014

Small and big boys just have to love Indians. They have awesme skills, they have bows, arrows, squaws, bisons and all these things. Now, on top of this, they have this awesome beer! I like bock-type biers and I love ale. Indianer Bock is a tream went true - the best of both worlds. Rich, thick and aromatic beer. F... awesome this one. Go. Buy. Drink!