The title is likely a dead give-away that this post is about a German beer. More specifically it is about my latest Vue Weekly column, which actually is from August 18 but for technical reasons didn’t get posted online right away.

The column reviewed Warsteiner, which seems increasingly omnipresent in pubs and restaurants. There is much to be said about this German Pils, including that it remains an independently owned brewery. It is not part of my usual drinking regime, in large part because German-style pilsners are not my favourite style. If I am going to go for a pils, I tend to drift toward the Bohemian version – I like its fuller body and sweeter finish. That is not a criticism of German Pils, just a personal preference.

I like Warsteiner but don’t love it. It has an odd finish that puts me off and it just simply isn’t sharp enough to keep my attention. I have sampled better versions – often homebrewed, I must admit. However, it is one of those beers if it is the best of slim pickings in a pub then I wouldn’t regret a pint or two (or, god forbid, one of those übersteins from Wunderbar), but it won’t make my A-list.

By the way, übertrieben is translated as “exaggerated”. I couldn’t resist the twist on “Deutschland über Alles” (and, more relevantly, for guys my age, California über Alles by the Dead Kennedys – if you are one of those young ‘uns who don’t know that DK was an unbelievably important band, feel free to buy me a beer and I will explain why they were…).

At any rate here is how you can read the whole review.