The Einbecker Brewery (German: Einbecker Brauhaus) is a brewery located in Einbeck, Germany. Founded before 1378, it is one of the oldest still operating breweries in the world. The city of Einbeck is noted for its bock beer, and Einbecker, the only remaining brewery in town, makes three varieties thereof.The region of Lower Saxony and the town of Einbeck in particular dominated the European beer market during the fourteenth century, when the Hanseatic League helped distribute Einbeck’s bock beer throughout Northern Europe. The Einbecker Brewery is the only remaining brewery from that tradition, and was already in operation in 1378: the first city record in Einbeck that mentions beer dates from 28 April 1378, and refers to the sale of two casks of beer (“Einbecker”) to the town of Celle, some 80 miles away. The brewery claims the tradition with a legend above the door, Ohne Einbeck gäb’s kein Bockbier (“Without Einbeck there would be no bock”). Notable drinkers of Einbecker include, reportedly, Martin Luther, who was given a cask of it before 1521 trial where he was to be excommunicated, and supposedly praised it in a two-line doggerel verse. Luther is said to have secured a barrel of Einbeck Beer for his wedding in 1525.
Brewing rights in Einbeck were owned by the city, and brewing operations were consolidated in 1794 in a publicly owned city brewery, from then on the sole brewery in the city. Its beer was first bottled in 1884, in the “distinctive low-shouldered bottle” that the company still uses.
Einbecker Brauherren Pils – $12.99/6pk
Nice frothy, white head gives way to a clean, slightly grassy, herbal and quite dry palate. Definitely a northern German style noted for its clean, crisp, and bitter character.
Einbecker Schwarzbier – $13.99/6pk
There are Black Beers then there are Schwarzbeirs. There are many great breweries all over the world but if you want good lagers, you should always start in Germany. Einbecker’s Schwarzbeir is an excellent example of why this is true. You know you’re in for a treat when you pour this beer. It pours dark brown, not quite black, and clear. A thick, brownish, rocky head builds over the beer. The aroma is rich with sweet malt and some graininess. The mouthfeel is slightly silky. The flavor is like the aroma; full of rich maltiness with just a hint of hops lurking far beneath. It has a dry finish with just a hint of smokiness. Overall, a great, well-rounded beer.
Einbecker Mai-Urbock – $14.99/6pk
The Mai-Ur-Bock pours with a short, white head and a clear, dark amber body. The aroma is full of sweet malt. The taste is quite bitter at first but this quickly gives way to a nice balancing sweetness. There is a wonderful depth to the beer as the flavors blend and linger long after the finish.