Now for something completely different - What is a Schwarzbier
If you wanted to introduce a new style of beer to the competitive UK market you would quite likely seek a refreshing beer with a sparkle served chilled to target young, active people.
It may come as a surprise that a black bier from the Swiss Alps has these very characteristics – though given the nature of Alpine activities there is some logic to this. Schwarz Monch, was conceived as a Schwarzbier at an old Inn high in the Alps in 2017. It was created to satisfy the thirst of young skiers, climbers, paragliders, hikers and bikers.
A Schwarzbier, virtually unknown in the UK, is a style of bier lighter in body than a stout and with the sparkle of a lager. It is served chilled at about 5*C and unlike dark ales is often drunk in one litre stein mugs, and one and a half litre pitchers, it’s a thirst quencher.
Schwarz Monch proved so popular with the Apres Adrenalin drinkers that it swiftly rose to be the highest rated Schwarzbier in the world on Untappd in 2018 and won gold as a Schwarzbier in Switzerland. It then tackled the London Beer Competition in 2019 and won silver against 35 countries in all categories of beer.
All of this has made Schwarz Monch a standout beer, but from a marketing point of view its outstanding salesman has been the iconic Black Monch logo, reminiscent of the Sandeman’s Don. The Monch is featured in all publicity and images used to promote the beer.
Schwarz Monch, now brewed in co-operation with The Crafty Brewing Company at Dunsfold in the Surrey hills has arrived in the UK.