Thursday 5th of June 2008 11:56:55 AM

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*****Warning, this review may contain an opinion of a deprived beer enthusiast****
It had been three months since I last rested my lips on the malty nectar of the gods, known as beer. My judgment may be hastened. My tastes may not be as sharp. However, disclaimer aside, this is some good beer.

With a trip quickly summoned out of the desert of strict prohibition, I found myself swimming within the belly of the founding fathers of beer. My feet are firmly planted in Germany….and the beer I’m drinking here is GREAT.

Beautiful people aside, let’s talk about how the Germans make some really good beer. I know beer purity law known as the Reinheitsgebot can be keeping the masters of lager from perfecting the art as the Belgians well know. However, that arguments aside, the Germans know how to make their lager.

I started my sampling at the Darmstadter Rastskeller Hausbrauerei with an innocent Hefewiesen. It had a more banana taste than I prefer. However, for beer #1 in order of tasting, it raised the bar fairly high. Next the Dunkle. While disappointed the Dopplebock on the menu was out of season, the Dunkle didn’t disappoint. Quite malty, it was a great #2 beer, and his is from someone who likes to start dark and finish clear. The Helles was next. Clean and unassuming, yet it was quite refreshing. The Pils was last and well, a Pils is a Pils.

Over all, one of the better experiences of drinking beer in Germany, and that says a lot. Yes you can hang at the more chic Café “Insert a Witty Name” restaurants nearby, but this place has sole. It is an authentic German dining and drinking establishment. Traditional inside, yet outside overlooking the Platz is where the action is. The food is great (I had the JagrSchnitzel), the service responsive, and the beer is quite good. If you are ever in the Darmstadt area, stop by. You won’t be disappointed.

****Update*******
I went back today, and the beer tastes even better. I had the Weisswurst and Pretzel. If you are in Darmstadt, you have to experience this place. Plus they have “beer to go” in Liter sizes. My recommendation…take some to the hotel with you.