German-Style Schwarzbier – European Origin Lager Styles

German-Style Schwarzbier Style

  • Color: Very dark brown to black, with a pale-colored head.
  • Clarity: Beer color may be too dark to perceive. When clarity is perceivable, chill haze should not be present.
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Medium malt aroma displays a mild roasted malt character. Malt sweetness is low to medium and displays a mild roasted malt character without bitterness.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Hop aroma and flavor is very low to low, derived from noble-type hops.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Low to medium
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters and diacetyl should not be present.
  • Body: Low to medium-low

German-Style Schwarzbier Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.044-1.052 (11-12.9 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.010-1.016 (2.6-4.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.0%-3.9% (3.8%-4.9%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 22-30
  • Color SRM (EBC) 25-40(50-80 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Lager Styles – European Origin Lager Styles – German-Style Schwarzbier