German Claims World's Strongest Beer

[Jeff]

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9271203/

Looks like a German man is giving Sam Adams a run for their money on the strongest beer title. Maybe we Americans aren't the only ones to like things bigger and better.

[steveh]

The telling line is "...for an alcohol content twice that of Germany's other strongest beers." To which I say, "Why?" 12.5% isn't strong enough for a beer? It is for wine. And if we already have Sherry, why do we need something that "...tastes like a quirky mixture of beer and sherry?."

Sorry, just playing devil's advocate against the whole "extreme" phase beer seems to be going through. I had the opportunity to try Sam Adams' Triple-Bock on tap when it was introduced. BBC brought a keg to Portland, OR for the Micro-Brewers and Brew-Pubs Conference as a special treat. Everyone clammored to get their sample and all I could think was, "This really doesn't taste like beer, it tastes like a 'quirky mixture of beer and sherry.' Blech."

S.

[Jeff]

Originally posted by steveh
Sorry, just playing devil's advocate against the whole "extreme" phase beer seems to be going through. S.

No need to apologize Steve. I'm not sure that I would even try this beer. I haven't drank anything in shot form in quite some time.

[unkle bik]

Heard that report on the radio yesterday.
I never ceases to amaze me the ignorance of announcers.

"German beer is always stronger than American beer."
"American beer is limited to 6% alcohol by law."

Worse thing is, people take it for gospel anything anybody says on radio or TV to be the truth.:rolleyes:

[steveh]

Originally posted by unkle bik
"German beer is always stronger than American beer."
"American beer is limited to 6% alcohol by law."

Jackson has a whole article on "Beer Misconceptions" in this month's All About Beer. The last on the list is, "If it is a good beer, it must be strong." Always comes full circle doesn't it?

S.

[HogieWan]

I've seen 2 different articles on this and they both say the alcohol content is 25.4% but fail to mention if that is by volume or by weight. If it is by weight, it would be much higer than SA Utopia as it would equal ~31% ABV

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by steveh
Sorry, just playing devil's advocate against the whole "extreme" phase beer seems to be going through. I had the opportunity to try Sam Adams' Triple-Bock on tap when it was introduced. BBC brought a keg to Portland, OR for the Micro-Brewers and Brew-Pubs Conference as a special treat. Everyone clammored to get their sample and all I could think was, "This really doesn't taste like beer, it tastes like a 'quirky mixture of beer and sherry.' Blech."

S.

Went through the same thing with DFH 120 Minute at a beer fest years ago. People actually pushing and shoving to get a sample - crazy. Got 1-2 sips before a guy slammed into me and spilled the rest. I wasn't impressed enough to go back and fight for another sample. Not my bag.

Cheers!

[L.H.H.H.Brown]

[QUOTE]"American beer is limited to 6% alcohol by law."[/QUOTE

I hate being a lightweight. I always thought Speedway was a little weak.:D

[chazwicke]

I have not yet read my issue of Ales Street News but the head line on the cover reads something like "Have the big beers finally hit the wall?" I'm guessing that the big beer trend might be about to implode. While I like some of them, I'm more inclined to drink a regular style than some inflated Alcohol or IBU "Imperial" beers. I'm thinking the big beer thing has just about been played out.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I have not yet read my issue of Ales Street News but the head line on the cover reads something like "Have the big beers finally hit the wall?" I'm guessing that the big beer trend might be about to implode. While I like some of them, I'm more inclined to drink a regular style than some inflated Alcohol or IBU "Imperial" beers. I'm thinking the big beer thing has just about been played out.

Couldn't disagree more. Big Beers may get a lot of publicity but they don't make up the bulk of a brewer's portfolio. Smaller, "average strength" beers are more the norm here in America - they just don't get the hype. The largest beer store near me has two full grocery store aisles full of beer - 75% (or more) is probably sub 6% abv beers. The rest are Belgian styles, barleywines, experimentals, anniversary beers, etc.

As American brewers move toward brewing more original beers and developing new styles, "Big Beers" will be at the forefront. I think it's safe to say that these beers are not a fad (wine coolers, ice beers, dry beers, malternatives), but a real part of the American brewing scene that are here for the long haul.

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

Big Beers certainly get all the hype. That is for sure. And I occasionally enjoy one. But I also recall several threads about folks on this board tiring of high ABU beers and just wanting a nice session beer once in a while. I know many brewers have made their names by brewing big beers and I don't expect those beers to go away. I would however like to see more mainstream brewers also get the praise for brewing top notch beers in non monster styles. The big styles have garnered attention to the American craft brewing industry by lauding the ingenuity and imagination of its brewers. I have no qualms with this at all. It is fine to try new styles or push the envelope but for me, when it comes down to it, just brew a nice ESB, Mild, or APA. IPA used to be one of my favorite styles but now I am often wary. Again, I like some of the big beers and I think others are rediculous. But I'd like to see brewers concentrate on making an excellent beer instead of having only a decent beer but also having one big extreme beer.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by chazwicke
But I also recall several threads about folks on this board tiring of high ABU beers and just wanting a nice session beer once in a while.

Plenty of good, lower abv% beers available here in the US. If people can't find one, either they live in a beer desert or they're not looking hard enough.

Originally posted by chazwicke
I would however like to see more mainstream brewers also get the praise for brewing top notch beers in non monster styles....It is fine to try new styles or push the envelope but for me, when it comes down to it, just brew a nice ESB, Mild, or APA.

Again, they're out there. One of my favorite brewpubs covers lots of styles. Something for everyone.

http://www.tapbrewpub.com/beermenu.htm

As far as praise for brewers, I see/read it every day on beer sites. And as most of the Big Beers don't really fit into a category for judging purposes, who do you think takes home medals at beer events - brewers who make good beer within a style's guidelines.

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

I wonder how many times Steve Bernard's name has been in print or on the boards? Your point about regular styles being available is well taken though. I can usually find something worth drinking. But I guess I'm tired of hearing all the Sam Adams (and others) hype.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I have not yet read my issue of Ales Street News but the head line on the cover reads something like "Have the big beers finally hit the wall?" I'm guessing that the big beer trend might be about to implode. While I like some of them, I'm more inclined to drink a regular style than some inflated Alcohol or IBU "Imperial" beers. I'm thinking the big beer thing has just about been played out.


I finally got around to reading the Ale Street News Aricle. It had nothing to do with big or imperial beers but was about the Macro brewers and their deminishing share of the alcoholic beverage market.

[studentofbeer]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I finally got around to reading the Ale Street News Aricle. It had nothing to do with big or imperial beers but was about the Macro brewers and their deminishing share of the alcoholic beverage market.

hah, bad headline writing there. who knows, maybe they will take your idea and write next month about high abv beers.

i enjoy the novelty of the big beers as well their complexity, although i only occasionally drink the latest and greatest. as michael jackson always says, there's a time and place for every beer, and part of the fun is drinking the right beer at the right time.