Black Bavarian Sprecher: Where To Find This Delicious Treat

Sprecher Brewing Company's Black Bavarian is a Schwarzbier, or black beer, that is renowned for its drinkability. This intensely dark lager has a malt complexity with distinctive flavours and aromas of coffee, caramel, and chocolate. It has a creamy, tan head and a smooth mouthfeel, making it a favourite among beer enthusiasts. The Black Bavarian is brewed in the German Schwarzbier style and is considered one of the more robust and hearty versions available. It pairs well with a good steak cooked over charcoal.

Sprecher Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In 1984, Randy left Pabst and established Sprecher Brewing Co. The first location opened in 1985 in Walker's Point, and Randy hand-built much of the brewery equipment with friends. However, in 1993, the brewery had to relocate due to a canal retainer wall collapsing into the Menominee River, making the brewery difficult to access. The new location in Glendale, Wisconsin, offered more space and allowed the company to continue growing.

Sprecher Brewing Company emphasizes German-style beers, and one of their notable creations is the Black Bavarian beer, a German Schwarzbier ("Black Beer"). It has a very dark brown colour with reddish flashes and a fluffy head. It offers a deeply toasty malt profile with notes of char, dark chocolate, scorched caramel, and smoke. The brewery also offers a range of other craft beers and sodas, including their famous root beer, which has been acclaimed as the "Best Root Beer in America" by the New York Times.

The Sprecher brewery offers tours and tasting experiences for visitors. The tour includes a glimpse into their lab, brewhouse, and production area, and guests can relax in the beer garden and sample craft beverages. The tasting experience includes unlimited soda and four 8oz Sprecher Beer or Hard Soda pours. The company's commitment to craft, community, and unique fire-brewed sodas and beers has made them a significant contributor to Milwaukee's impressive brewing tradition.

Black Bavarian's flavour profile

Sprecher's Black Bavarian is a German Schwarzbier ("black beer")-style lager. It is intensely dark in colour, with a creamy, tan head. The beer has a robust malt complexity, with distinctive flavours and aromas of coffee, caramel, and chocolate. The malt profile is deeply toasty, with some char-like notes, and the bitterness is moderate to firm. The body is medium-full, and the beer has a renowned smoothness.

The aroma profile of Black Bavarian is complex, with notes of brown bread, chocolate, and toastiness, as well as a subtle hint of red grape skins and prunes. The flavour profile includes dark chocolate, scorched caramel, and smoke, with some dark, plum-like fruitiness. The beer has a malty nuance, with a bittersweet finish.

Black Bavarian is best served at a temperature of 47-55° F in a pilsner glass or mug. It pairs well with a good steak cooked over charcoal.

The beer has a score of 90 ("Outstanding") and won a Bronze Medal in the European Darks category at the 1988 Great American Beer Festival (GABF).

Awards and recognition

Sprecher Brewing Company's Black Bavarian has won several awards and recognition for its outstanding quality and taste. Here is a list of some of the notable awards received by the brewery for Black Bavarian:

• Great American Beer Festival (GABF), 1988: Black Bavarian won a bronze medal in the European Darks category at the prestigious beer competition.
• World Beer Cup, 2014: Black Bavarian received a gold medal in the German-style Schwarzbier category, beating 46 other entries. This award recognised the beer as one of the best in one of the toughest international beer competitions.
• BeerAdvocate: Black Bavarian has consistently received high ratings and positive reviews from beer enthusiasts on BeerAdvocate, with an overall score of 90, which is considered "Outstanding".

In addition to these accolades, Black Bavarian has also been recognised by beer enthusiasts and critics for its unique and complex flavour profile. It is renowned for its drinkability, with a light to medium body and superb malt and hop complexity. The smooth mouthfeel and long finish make it a favourite among beer lovers.

The Sprecher Brewing Company itself has also received recognition for its contribution to the craft brewing industry, especially in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it is based. The company was founded in 1985 by Randal (Randy) Sprecher, a former Pabst Brewing Company brewing supervisor, with an emphasis on German-style beers.

Where to buy Black Bavarian

Sprecher's Black Bavarian is a Schwarzbier ("black beer") brewed in the German style. It is a light to medium-bodied lager with a smooth mouthfeel and a creamy tan head. It has distinctive flavours and aromas of dark roasted coffee, caramel, and bittersweet chocolate.

If you're ever in the Milwaukee area, you can visit the Sprecher Brewery in Glendale, WI, and buy some brews to take home. You can also check out their website or give them a call to get more information about the brewery and their tour schedules.

For those who can't make it to the brewery, Sprecher Black Bavarian can also be purchased online through various retailers, such as BeerSlugger.com and BeerMenus. Additionally, it is available at certain local establishments, such as the Growler Spot and the Toco Giant Package Store.

So, whether you're a local or a visitor to Milwaukee, be sure to get your hands on some Sprecher Black Bavarian and enjoy its unique and intensely dark flavour profile.

Suggested glassware and serving temperature

Sprecher Black Bavarian is a Schwarzbier with an ABV of 5.86% and a calorie count of around 160. It is brewed by the Sprecher Brewing Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has a distinctive flavour and aroma of coffee, caramel and chocolate.

The glass you drink beer from is not just about marketing. The shape of the glass can impact head development and retention. The foam created by pouring a beer acts as a net for the volatiles—compounds that evaporate from the beer to create its aroma.

For stronger, aromatic brews like double IPAs and Belgian ales, a tulip glass is a good choice. The tulip glass has a small stem and footer, with a tulip-shaped bowl that enhances flavours and aromas. The bowl has a rim that curves outward, helping to trap and emphasise the head.

For a more down-to-earth beer experience, a sturdy glass mug is a good option. The thick glass and handle make it easier to grip and safer for toasts. The handle also keeps the beer colder, as the warmth from your hand doesn't affect the beer's temperature.

For delicate beers such as Kolsch, lambic, gueuze, or rye, a Stange glass is a good choice. This tall, slender glass is a staple among connoisseurs. Its slender design allows the beer's carbonation and aroma to shine.

The Weizen glass is specifically designed for wheat beers, showcasing their unique characteristics and providing an authentic drinking experience. The elongated shape allows for a generous pour while leaving room for the thick, fluffy head. The narrow bottom and flared top help maintain carbonation and capture the rich aromas.

As for the serving temperature, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal temperature depends on the style of beer. Lighter beers are generally served colder, while darker beers are served warmer. For example, mass-market light lagers are typically served at 35–40°F (2–4°C), while American stouts are served at 50–55°F (10–13°C).

Frequently asked questions