Are there any good Jewish beers?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I mean, how could a culture that so appreciates a good pickel not equally so a good beer? I put this in IMHO so I could add the word “good,” since I already know that any beer with the word “honey” on its label is the beer equivalent of Mogen David wine. Anyway, why not? Abraham came out of the same Mesopotamian culture that invented beer. Why can’t beer be kosher - just so long as no flies drowned in the vat? And, Mediterraneans though the Childern of Israel be, a viticulture does not exclude the possibilty of brewacracy - both the French and the Italians put out some good suds, so how about our Hebraic brethren?

2

Yeah but you gotta cut the head off before you can drink it.

–Tim

3

Homer, ya caught me off guard there. Too funny. I did a search on kosher beers, don’t know if it’s Jewish or not but it’s suitable for washing down a nice pastrami sandwich.

http://www.allaboutbeer.com/news/industry/kosher.html

4

Here’s an article about the kashrus status of beer, which says that American, German, Norwegian and English beers are all kosher.

Barley wine and flavoured ales (like cherry beer) would need individual kosher certification, just to make sure that all the ingredients were kosher.

Isinglass, which comes from the swim bladders of fish, is used to clarify English ales. These beers have long been considered kosher, because none of the isinglass remains in the finished product.

5

Messiah Stout: The Beer You’ve Been Waiting For

http://www.shmaltz.com/

6

I’m partial to Morty’s Yiddish Schtout myself.

7

I think Coors was certified kosher at one point, and maybe it still is. I remember reading articles about it some time ago. Not that it matters, Molson is better anyway.

8

To answer the OP:

  1. First of all, Jews don’t drink. Oh, I’m sure a horde of Yiddische boozers will soon descend on me to prove me wrong, but you’ll have to trust me on this. After growing up in Israel I’m constantly shocked by the amounts you Americans imbibe. I mean, you go to an American party, and there’s always this obscenely large tub of margaritas or something, but absolutely nothing to eat! How can you enjoy yourself without food?
    Sorry.

  2. Think historically. Brewery, after all, is a traditional art, one passed on from generation to generation of beermakers. Howerver, Unlike a goldsmith or tailor, a brewer can’t just pack up his shop and move on to the next barony on a moments notice. Considering Jewish history, this could be a bit of a liability. Thus, making beer never became a Jewish craft.
    So when Jews moved to America, they didn’t open Jewish breweries like their fellow German, Scandinavian and Irish immigrants. By now, it’s probably too late in the game to throw your chips in.

  3. That said, you should try Goldstar, a very decent Israeli ale. Other Israeli beers are inferior, but Goldstar is pretty good, and you can find it in the States (or at least in New York).

9

Sure they do. What about all the old men who have a scnapps and herring after services each morning? I have a friend who is observant, but collects (and drinks) single malt scotch from all over the world. Also, there are many of us who enjoy a good beer, especially on Shabbat with a nice hot cholent.