Somewhere along the border between France and Germany, you will find the city of Strasbourg in the province of Alsace. Alsace is a sort of netherworld between the two countries, having belonged to each at different points in history. The locals have been known to answer the question as to which nation Alsace belongs, “The one that won the last war”, and they do this only half jokingly. Currently, Alsace is part of France, but culturally the area still straddles a gray area.

Gastronomically, you will find more than a few German-style dishes to be the norm here, though French cuisine is equally popular. The same holds true for beer. German preferences have greatly influenced the local brewing scene, and as a result lagers are rather popular. Still, the dogged idiosyncrasy and independence the French are renowned for is every bit as present in the beers of the region. A classic example of this is the delightful Fischer Amber.

To be sure, the French are not best known for their beers. Wine is the alcoholic beverage most people would more readily associate with France. In Strasbourg, though, you’ll have no trouble finding people drinking beer, and this is in no small part due to the presence there of the Fischer Brewery. For years, Fischer has been exporting its unique brews to America; today the brand’s reach is even greater as part of the Heineken family of beers. The beer is still brewed in France and has changed little since I first tasted it some two decades ago.

Fischer Amber is sold in six-packs and attractive 22-ounce swing top bottles. I usually prefer the swing tops myself. These are made from brown glass and are elegantly embossed with the brewery logo; they’re also just the right size to share with a friend if you are so inclined.

Fischer Amber pours to a dark golden brown color with a thick creamy head formation and a grassy hop nose that suggests new mown hay. The smooth, clean palate at first yields up some interesting caramel malt flavors and a very unique and slightly winey, cidery character. The finish is slightly sour, rather dry and boasts a touch of bitter hops. A good amount of Brussels lace followed my beer down the glass.

It is the unique dry white wine character that makes Fischer beers a departure from the norm, and an interesting reflection of the melding of two cultures the Alsace region represents. The first time I tried a glass of Fischer beer I thought I must have gotten a bad bottle, but I was wrong. The beer tasted then pretty much as it does now.

Fischer Amber goes great with pork and sauerkraut, sausages and cheese, or just a hunk of fresh French bread with liverwurst. Try adding half a bottle to pork chops and sauerkraut in the crock-pot, then cook on low heat for about 12 hours. Very simple and very delicious. The rest of the bottle, of course, is for you.

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