Authentic German-style beer at Braumeister Brewing

It’s an old standard line of mine that being German, appreciation of beer is a genetic imperative.

I expect it’s not true but it is a short-cut way of saying that in my case, I have a fondness for the stuff. Like Brits who say they favour cask-conditioned ales or “best bitters, I do have a proclivity towards German-style beers like pilsner, weizen (wheat beer), alt or gose. Braumeister at 175 Carruthers Ave. does a proper job of assuaging my homesickness.

Rohit Gupta, raised in Kanata, spent four years as a high school teacher at the American School of Science in Salzburg, Austria. He would travel the bus route 21 between his home and the school which led to the creation of one of his flagship beers, Route 21.

He fell in love with the beer from the famous 400-year-old brewery Augustiner Brau (also with a seat in Munich). After a visit from his parents to Salzburg in 2013, the idea of a similar brewery in the Ottawa region was born.

Years after the completion of his teaching contract he returned to Canada and along with his father Ravi, planned the start of the original Braumeister in Carleton Place.

Apart from re-creating the recipes of his favourite brewery, Rohit was committed to creating a communal space where people who didn’t know each other would sit at the same table for beer or food. It’s certainly common practice in Germany and Austria and he felt it was actually in the spirit of Canadians as well, they just needed the venue to nudge them in the direction of their natural inclinations. That was when the Ottawa Bierhalle (beer hall) was born.

I admit it has many of the hallmarks of brewhouses back home, solid wooden tables and chairs, a rustic interior, a selection of good and properly crafted beers and some eastern European eats courtesy of Cafe Polo that, while Polish, approximates some German Brauhaus cuisine.

From the start, Sheldon Scrivener has been brewmaster and with three decades of experience under his belt, he brought his years of brewing in the northern city of Luebeck, Germany to Ottawa with delightfully authentic results.

The most recent seasonal brew is Rheinwasser, the famous beer of Cologne known for its fresh and eminently drinkable style. Kölsch offers up young notes of toasted cereal and honey and goes down the charm. The Rheinwasser (Rhine water) name is not ideal for a brew that is so deliciously delicate but who am I to quibble? I know what was intended and this Kölsch is a better representation than most I’ve had in Canada.

The only thing not German but rather English/Irish, is the service. There isn’t any. You order directly from the bar and take your brew to your seat. Price for a stein of beer that is actual stoneware, is $10 tax included.

Personally, stoneware is not my preferred drinking vessel as it does nothing to allow the beer's flavours and aromas to unfold. The lip on a stein is simply too thick and besides, you can’t enjoy the colour of what’s in your glass. But Braumeister is distinguishing itself in this way.

If you appreciate German-style beer and are looking forward to enjoying a brew with friends, then their patio is a pleasant way to spend a few hours with friends. It might even be the case that Rohit is on-site and should he have the time, he may even share a few Salzburg beer stories.

Ein Prosit (Cheers)!