Schwarzbier

What is Schwarzbier?

Schwarzbier (German for black beer) is a dark lager originating in the Saxony and Thuringia regions of Germany. It is a moderately bitter, light to medium-bodied beer.

Schwarzbier gets its dark colour from roasted malt, giving it a taste reminiscent of chocolate and coffee. It’s generally darker and drier than dunkel but also lighter with a smoother body.

Origin Story

The roots of schwarzbier are found in the German regions of Thuringia and Saxony. The oldest known black beer is Brunswick Mum, brewed since the Middle Ages, with the first documented mention dating to 1390.

In Thuringia, the earliest mentioned brewery is Köstritzer Brewery (founded in 1543), which later also began to produce schwarzbier and continues to do so to this day.

Schwarzbier became very popular after Germany’s reunification in the 1990s, leading to a decline in the sales of the stronger dark beer Altbier. 

Today, many unique varieties of schwarzbier are made in local breweries in East Germany. Additionally, schwarzbier enjoys relative popularity among American craft brewers who appreciate its bold appearance and smooth character. It is particularly common in Utah, where strict laws limit the sale of beers over 4%.