Holiday Brews

Our local groceries and liquor stores carry a relatively small selection of beers. This is fairly typical of Switzerland, despite the high concentration of microbreweries in this country. So, Matt and I were especially thrilled to find a gas station, just a block from our temporary apartment, open 365 days a year, with an excellent microbeer selection. Each visit we pick out a new beer to try. This week we selected two Christmas ales.

First we tried Mönchshof Weihnachts Bier, a German winter ale. It was a golden yellow ale, much lighter than the Christmas/winter ales we're used to in the states. It was tasty, but unimpressive. At 3 chf a liter, we have no complaints, but probably won't be drinking it again.

Next, we tried Sudwerk's Santa's Reserve. Sudwerk is very local - their brewery is right here in Zurich. Santa's Reserve was exactly what we wanted from a Christmas ale - dark, spicy and malty. Perfect to enjoy on Christmas Eve (while watching Home Alone). There are several other Sudwerk beers at the shop. We're looking forward to trying them all and the Sudwerk brewery tour has been added to our list of Zurich activities!