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Loreley was recommended to me as a good example of a German beer bar in Manhattan and I have to say that it didn’t disappoint. After checking their website based on the recommendation, I saw that they had a beer tasting with food for $29. Unable to pass that up, I went to check it out.

My expectations were low given the low price, but Loreley proceeded to blow them away. Not only did I sample nine German beers, but they delivered a three course meal that while fairly straightforward, was substantial and certainly more than the few bites I was expecting.

Here’s a list of the beers with some of my notes:

1. Reissdorf Kolsch: from Cologne, a very light, crisp and bitter ale, pale gold in the glass. This wasn’t very strong in flavor, not very developed. Like a better Coors Light.

2. Bitburger Pilsner: Pale gold, crisp, with a strong honey aroma on the nose and honey on the initial mouth followed by hoppy bitterness. A good Pilsner.

3. Radeberger Pilsner: slightly metallic nose, bitter and hoppy. A mineral quality to the finish. I didn’t like this one as much as the Bitburger.

4. Hofbrau Lager: pale gold, more malt coming through than hops. Honey and orange on the nose and up front, hoppy on the finish.

5. Franziskaner Hefeweissbier: This one resembled orange soda a bit in the glass. Orange and clove on the nose, some grapefruit and spice. Creamy mouthfeel, citrusy, a little bitterness. Undercurrent of banana. My girlfriend predicted that this would be good with pancakes.

6. Schneider Weisse : Floral and spice aromas, poured a cloudy apricot color. Light and fruity, it reminded me of Blue Moon.

7. Erdinger Oktoberfest Weizen: Aromas of apple and pineapple lifesavers. Banana bread on the palate with hints of citrus.

8. Kostritzer Schwarzbier: Thick tan head with lots of bubbles, the color of sarsaparilla. Metallic odor, minerals. Hoppy and bitter up front with a smoky, malty finish. Almost has a hazelnut or walnut aftertaste. We snuck out a few of Vosges’ Barcelona Almonds (chocolate covered salty, smoked almonds) and they paired perfectly with the beer.

9. Spaten Ur-Marzen: Smelled…like a lager. Poured a reddish brown with a thin head. Malt up front, hops in the finish. For the ending beer it was a little unremarkable.

The food they served was simple as mentioned – a simple Caesar-like salad to start; beef, mashed potatoes and cabbage for the main course; and vanilla sponge cake with icing and jam for dessert. Still, we ate and drank well for what we paid. I would suggest that if they do another one, go check it out. Rudy also provided some great information about the beers and the regions. I intend to go back, just to have some beer and food next time. Brats and beer sound like a good combo to me.