German beers are growing on me. I must admit that before I properly started appreciating the craft of making good beer that my previous exposure to Germanic brewing were skiing trips and work jollies, neither of which are conducive to exploring the full range and rich history of German brewing. Let’s not forget that Germany is the world’s leading hop grower so these guys are centre stage when it comes to beer.
I was recently sent a couple of bottles to sample by Schneider-Weisse, a Bavarian brewer supplying to the UK, and have already reviewed its “doppelbock” Tap 6. That was a real meal of a beer at 8.2% but the Tap 7 Unser Original is, by contrast, a far more manageable but still ultra premium-strength 5.4%.
The recipe for this wheat beer remains unchanged since 1872 and it’s a deep caramel colour with the trademark zesty, foamy head that you’d expect from a Bavarian wheat beer. There’s a fresh lemon, floral nose with a hint of nutmeg, which really heightens the senses for the taste.
The notes I wrote down on first taste were “smooth, clean experience with orange hints”. It is a really satisfying experience if you like the more full-bodied, sugary offerings from continent Europe.
The essentials:
ABV: 5.4%
Colour: Deep caramel
Nose: Freshly floral, lemon, nutmeg
Taste: Smooth with orange tones
Our verdict:
Website: http://www.schneider-weisse.de/index.php?lang=en&tpl=brauerei.spezialitaeten.origi
