Our Schwarzbier, or black beer, is a traditional German black lager.  Do not let its dark color fool you, this beer is smooth and malty.  German Noble hops lend a subtle bitterness, while dark chocolate malt gives Schwarzbier its color and rich malt character.  German lager yeast gives this beer a much milder, less bitter taste than British porters and stouts.
 
Schwarzbier originated in southeastern Germany during the 16th Century, and several recipes from that time are still brewed there today.   In the late 1800’s, Schwarzbier was quite popular in the St. Louis region, but production of dark lagers never recovered from Prohibition.  Acknowledging the past popularity of this style, St. Louis Dark Lager was the first festival beer of the inaugural St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival.