Victory Schwarz Pils: anything but disappointing

July 5, 9:09 AMSuburban Philadelphia Craft Beer ExaminerMichael Hoster

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On our way to yet another 4th of July cookout, my wife and I stopped at Victory to see if there was anything new and exciting on draft. When I first glanced at the tap list, I saw the Herkules IPA, which I had never had before. So, I hastily ordered a glass. But alas, our waitress told us that the Herkules just kicked. With a glaring overtone of disappointment in my voice, I said, “okay, alright,,, I guess I’ll try the Schwarz Pils instead.” And well, let me tell you, after I tried the first sip of Schwarz Pils, my previously exhibited disappointment rapidly subsided.

Victory Schwarz Pils is an American rendition of a German Schwarzbier. Schwarzbier typically demonstrates an amber to black appearance, a significant volume of bitter hops and a reasonable portion of dark German malts. However, unlike English porter or stout, schwarzbier does not exhibit heavy overtones of coffee, chocolate or toffee. Instead, schwarzbier chiefly relies upon floral noble hops for its complexity and character. Some popular examples of this style include Koestrizer Schwarzbier, Sam Adams Black Lager and Sprecher Black Bavarian. Now, onto the review.

Victory Schwarz Pils poured a hazy, medium brown color, with a thin, white head. It demonstrated a pronounced floral aroma and with light notes of yeast. Upon consumption, Schwarz Pils yielded a medley of spicy German hops, musty wood chips and toasted bread. The finish was impressively clean and crisp, with just a hint of green wood. Overall, Schwarz Pils is flavorful, well balanced and very easy to drink.

Schwarz Pils currently is on tap in the restaurant at Victory. Be sure to stop in before it too vanishes from the tap list. Otherwise, you most certainly will be disappointed.

For more information on Schwarz Pils and other Victory products, visit www.victorybeer.com.