Beer - The Raven

On a recent trip to Best Cellars in Arlington on a cold, cloudy Sunday afternoon with the GF, we wondered in off the streets to see what they were tasting. We went through tastings of an awful Norton from Virginia; a half decent, buttery Chardonnay surprisingly from North Carolina; and a value driven Rhone blended or GSM (Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache) called Twisted Oak (Vallecito, CA, 2005, $13), which we actually loved and bought.

Next, the clerk asked if we were interested in tasting a few of the beers they had on display. We only tried one that caught my eye. We were told that “The Raven” Special Lager was created in Germany, but brewed in Baltimore by Baltimore-Washington Beer Works. We bought a six pack and I am swigging one of these special beers as I type.

Since 1997, this medium-bodied, malty brew has been the premier beer severed in the US Embassy in Bonn, Germany, for special events and occasions. The beer ousted Sam Adams, which interesting enough, The Raven resembles slightly, but with a more maltier body.

After more than a year operating in the world's most competitive beer market (Europe, more specifically Germany), production of The Raven began in Baltimore in June of 1998. Baltimore-Washington Beer Works was founded by Stephen Demczuk, a native of Baltimore, who was partner in Europe's first beer-of-the-month club called “Beer Around the World.” Demczuk teamed up with Jim Seay (also of Baltimore) and German beer importer Wolfgang Stark. Together the trio styled a beer that is not only drinkable, but can be enjoyed by both the lager and ale drinker, thus creating “The Raven” named in honor of Baltimore's literary genius, Edgar Allan Poe.

Lighter on alcohol (5.4%) and smoother with no bite from carbonation, this golden lager is extremely easy to drink with its malty backbone and undertones of caramel, orange zest and hints of nutmeg. This beer would cross several palates since it opens itself to multiple fronts, but would pair very well with spicy sausages and heavy beef or pork dishes served with thick sauces (as a dark lager) or zesty (Blue) and sharp (Cheddar) cheeses and grilled poultry dishes (as an Amber Ale).

Today, besides being sold in Europe, you can find The Raven in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio and Illinois. I highly recommend this local beer and would place just above average. Look for it in a store near you for around $8 a six pack.