While we are lucky in America to have access to a wide range of amazing beers, Ungespundet Lager is difficult to find.  Simply translated,  ungespundet means “not plugged”, which refers to the unique method imployed in condtioning this style of beer.  Typically the cask in which the new beer is racked into to condition is stoppered with a bung or spund in german which allows carbon dioxide to build inside the cask.  By keeping the cask unplugged, this special lager remains only lightly carbonated (think English Real Cask Ale) and develops an amazing complexity of flavor.  A few shades darker than a Pilsner and around 5% abv, a good Ungespundet will fool you into thinking your drinking an ale with its round full flavor, slight sweetness and delicate effervescence.  This is one of the session beers of Franconia, a delightful easy drinking beverage that harkens back to the pre-pilsner time when beer was served in ceramic steins. This is the kind of beer that will go with pretty much everything but its best with food that is not overly spicy or intense.  If possible, search it out on draft at a good bar or go directly to the source: Bamberg, Germany.

A world class Ungespundet Lager to try:  Mahr’s Ungespundet