- German name
- Schwarzbier
- Alcohol
- 4.4–5.4% ABV
- Colour
- Very dark brown to black
- Fermentation
- Bottom-fermented (lager)
- Origin
- Thuringia and Saxony, eastern Germany
- Glass
- Tall lager glass or tulip glass
- Serve at
- 8–10 °C
Schwarzbier, or “black beer”, surprises almost everyone who tries it. It pours nearly black, like a stout, but drinks like a smooth, light lager. For Australian lager drinkers who are curious about dark beer, it is the perfect place to start.
Where does Schwarzbier come from?
Schwarzbier comes from eastern Germany, especially Thuringia and Saxony, where dark beers have been brewed for centuries. The most famous brewery for the style, Köstritzer in Bad Köstritz, was first recorded in 1543.
During the communist era, Schwarzbier was a regional speciality of East Germany. After reunification in 1990 it became popular across the country, helped by Köstritzer’s success, and it is now brewed by craft brewers around the world.
What does Schwarzbier taste like?
- Look: Very dark brown to black, often with ruby highlights, and a tan head
- Aroma: Dark chocolate, coffee and toasted bread
- Taste: Light roasted malt with a hint of sweetness and a mild bitterness
- Finish: Dry and clean, with none of the heaviness of a stout or porter
Compared with Dunkel, Schwarzbier is darker, drier and more roasty.
How to serve Schwarzbier
Serve it at 8–10 °C in a tall lager glass to show off the dark colour and tan head. See our guide to German beer glasses.
Food pairing: Barbecued lamb, beef burgers, sausages, mushroom risotto and chocolate desserts.
Schwarzbier in Australia
Köstritzer Schwarzbier is the one to look for. It is sold mainly at specialist bottle shops with a German range, and big chains stock it only now and then. See our city guides for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
German beer brands that brew Black Beer
From our top 20 German beer brands in Australia, ranked by how easy they are to find here.
Black Beer FAQs
Is Schwarzbier a stout?
No. Schwarzbier is a lager, brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast and stored cold. It looks almost as dark as a stout but is much lighter-bodied and smoother, with gentle roasted flavours rather than the heavy, bitter roast of a stout.
What is the best-known Schwarzbier?
Köstritzer Schwarzbier from Bad Köstritz in Thuringia is the best-known Schwarzbier in Germany and around the world, and it is available in Australia at specialist bottle shops.
Is Schwarzbier strong?
No. Most Schwarzbiers are around 4.8–5% ABV, the same as a typical Pilsner.
← Back to all German beer types · Last updated 2 October 2026.