Beer Sherpa Recommends: Köstritzer Schwarzbier

This is a slightly sneaky post.  While I do come to praise Köstritzer, I want to let locals know that the new Stammtisch Bar on NE 28th in Portland is as good as billed.  They have a spectacular line-up of 18 (!) German biers on draft.  For this post, I was forced to choose from among some of my faves–a Schlenkerla (Helles), Ayinger Maibock, Andechs Hell, Schneider Edelweiss, to name just a few.   You can find these beers in the bottle, but it’s a rare treat to have a nice pour–into a liter mug if you want it–just like you would in a pub in Munich.  There’s a heavy emphasis on Franconian and Bavarian breweries, which suits this helles-lover just fine.  The selection seems to rotate pretty quickly, a practice that will reward regulars.

But I choose to highlight Köstritzer, one of the rare beers that fits a person’s mood no matter if it’s 20 degrees outside or 90 (Fahrenheit).  It is frothy and light yet assertive and roasty–the best of all worlds.  It’s an enduring standard in the Al …