SMaSH

SMaSH doesn't sound traditional at first. What's behind the label is therefore all the more surprising: Chris Sullivan, an American exile, brews a lager with his Herbipolis that is unrivaled in terms of quality and tradition.

Beer instead of wine

With Würzburg, Chris, who has chosen to live in Franconia, has not chosen an easy place. The city on the Main is one of the largest wine regions in Germany and has always been the home of grape lovers. It is exactly the right place if it is up to Chris, who wants to give Würzburg a beer that is typical of the city. With Herbipolis he has succeeded. From the name to the label to the contents, Herbipolis is a real Franconian original and a wonderfully hoppy counterpart to Riesling and Silvaner. Herbipolis is the medieval name of the city of Würzburg and a tribute to the traditional culture of the Main metropolis. With this name, Chris refers to the centuries-old brewing tradition of lager beer, which was also cultivated in Würzburg. If the name is not familiar to you at first, a quick look at the label will tell you what it is: the beer has an image of Würzburg Castle on the emblem and is otherwise quite traditional. No minimalism, no geometric objects or abstract structures. Classic and stylish, according to the label and the contents.

Quality instead of quantity

In the context of the craft beer scene, Chris is taking a very unusual approach: Unlike most craft beer brewers, he is not interested in combining as many aromatic hop varieties as possible in one beer. SMaSH simply stands for Single Malt and Single Hop. In plain language, this means that Chris is a hop artist of a very special kind. Chris does not want to hide behind an overwhelming variety of hops, but rather directs the beer drinker's focus to the essentials: the artistry with which he brews an excellent, balanced and flavorful lager using a few, selected ingredients. Since Chris comes from the home of craft beer, America, you would expect a fruity, aromatic and hoppy beer from him. SMaSH counters the cliché with a calm yet unbeatably drinkable lager that shines with a strong malt flavor and balanced hop notes. Herbipolis is a work of art of exceptional quality that leaves you wanting more. And who knows what the unconventional American will come up with next?