Die Konigin unter den Bieren

Warsteiner PV is a brew I have enjoyed on numerous occasions. Last night we decided to try somewhere different after work and ended up visiting a nearby Tapas bar. To my surprise the only beer available on tap happened to be Warsteiner. I immediately congratulated the bartender; imagine the owner?s temptation to opt for a domestic at half the price.

Die Konigin unter den Bieren
I must confess to my German being a little rusty, having not spoken it for over 10 years, and informing someone month's ago in a joke conversation that this was Germany?s Budweiser. Well ?Die Konigin unter den Bieren? actually translates as the Queen of Beers and not the King of beers, although I have to admit that Anheuser?s slogan does have a more resounding ring.

Warsteiner Premium Verum is in fact the biggest seller in Germany, which given Germany?s excellent brewing history is no small feat. It should therefore come as no surprise that this is Germany?s biggest seller worldwide, covering over 60 countries and rapidly growing in fame within the USA.

The Brewery
Having started from a kitchen, brewing beer from hand blown bottles and copper pots some 250 years ago, the Warsteiner brewery is situated deep in the Arnesberg Forest Nature Park outside of Warstein, in the north of Germany. Today it is Germany?s largest privately owned brewery.

The True Premium
Premium Verum translates as the true premium, and this is the traditional and best-known brand of the brewery. This should come as no surprise as this is a pilsner, brewed in a country whose reputation for such brews is second only to the original from the Czech Republic. Coming from Germany, you can be assured of product quality as all beers must comply with the strict Reinheitsgebot, a purity law eliminating the use of adjuncts which has become so common in domestic brews.

The proof
Warsteiner PV pours to something of a pale golden color with a nice white foamy head. There?s a good evidence of carbonation although less evidently than other pilsners. A phrase often used in describing this beer is crystal clear, and this is true throughout the whole experience, from the visualization to the nose to the whole taste.

Of course there is much more to this beer?s character. There?s a maltiness in the aroma but also a hint of the hops, which will do nothing to deter the interest of your average drinker. A pleasing note about this brew is the evidence of the hops not just in the aftertaste but also from the front to the back of the palate. It?s never particularly dry at any time, except for a hint of bitterness in the finish, thanks to a good balance of sweet maltiness. Overall it drinks very easily, and satisfies without challenging the tastebuds too strongly.

In Conclusion
I have spent many brews with my friends trying to turn them onto something new, and some with pleasing success. Warsteiner PV had to be one of the most successful experiences, having not heard one complaint from 4 guys and 3 girls.

Although it?s not the most challenging and interesting beer I?ve ever tasted, it?s certainly very well made and a worthy drink. I would certainly pick it out of the selection available in many bars and restaurants. Ideally this beer would go down well on a sunny afternoon or with any light dish such as a salad or seafood.

Recommendations
Any drinker of Bud, Coors, or Miller would certainly enjoy this beer. Other similar brews would include Pilsner Urquell, St. Pauli Girl, Bitburger, Grolsch and Stella Artois.