European Glühbier Tasting at Bazi Bierbrasserie

Christmas Market in Lucerne, Switzerland
Christmas Market in Lucerne, Switzerland

Throughout Europe during the holiday season many towns and cities host Christmas Markets that feature an array of merchandise from hand crafted jewelry, clothing and foods. This is also a time for adults to enjoy a few seasonal beverages that include the popular glühwein. But for beer fans it is the more exclusive glühbier that is well worth the effort in seeking out.

After spending the past 3 weeks in Switzerland I was fortunate enough to find a few glühbiers at various Christmas Markets around the country. What I encountered was some very interesting mulled beers that are brewed to be served warm and not cold. A few that stood out included Tiersteiner Bräu Glühbier from Switzerland and the delightful Liefmans Glühkriek from Belgium.

Glühbier from Tiersteiner Brau in Zurich, Switzerland
Glühbier from Tiersteiner Brau in Zurich, Switzerland at the train station’s Christmas Market (photo by D.J. Paul)
A pour of Liefmans Glükriek at Altes Tramdepot while traveling in Bern, Switzerland
A pour of Liefmans Glükriek at Altes Tramdepot while traveling in Bern, Switzerland (photo by D.J. Paul)

Tonight, Friday, December 18, Bazi Bierbrasserie will feature a European style evening of warm, spiced beers known as Glühbier from breweries near and afar. Organized by Hilda Stevens and Brian Yaeger, the two wanted to bring this European flavor of glühbiers for Portlanders to enjoy. From 5:00 to 9:00pm Bazi will feature a variety of beers from Belgium including Brouwerij De Troch and Petrus, Switzerland with BFM Brewing and of course a few here from Oregon.

The Glühbier lineup includes:

  • Barley Brown’s Cerveza Negra Caliente (Chili Black Beer)
  • BFM Brewing La Dragonne
  • Cascade Glühkriek
  • Cascade Mulled Apple Sour
  • Brouwerij De Troch Winter Gueuze
  • Petrus Oud Bruin
  • Zoiglhaus Brewing Niklaus (Ginger Dopplebock)

Also look for German and Belgian Christmas Market style treats, cocktails and more. Glühbiers will range from $3 to $5 each for 5 oz pours that will encourage a night full of sampling these rare varieties of warm, mulled beers. Prost!

Bazi Bierbrasserie
1522 SE 32nd Ave
Portland, OR 97214