Berlin | Postcards From Here and There

Review of the Year Part 3

Two further trips of note this year. The first was to Berlin in September and the second to Bordeaux and the wine regions in October.

The Danish brewery Mikkeller is regarded as one of the best in the world and has bars in several major cities around the world. Mikkeller Berlin is located at Torstraße 102 in Mitte and is only a short walk from Rosenthaler Platz (U-Bahn line U8).

The bar is small with seating arranged into three areas plus tables outside for when the weather permits. The decor has a very Scandinavian feel and creates a relaxed and calming environment, ideal for drinking a beer or two!

There are twenty four beers available on tap. Most are Mikkeller’s own brews but there are also a number of guest beers. Staff are approachable, helpful and knowledgable so navigating the menu if you are unsure is not a problem. Servings are available in two sizes, 40cl and 80cl.

Mikkeller Weird Weather. Gluten Free IPA 6.7% – Amber, slightly hazy, good white head, some lacing. Aromas of malt, pine, citrus and a slight herby note. The palate is crisp, low bitterness, grassy, malty and some tropical mango. Full flavoured.

Mikkeller Einar…. You Are a Funny Man. NEIPA 6% – Yellow,hazy, thin white head, some lacing.Aromas of tropical fruit, pineapple, grapefruit and caramel. Gentle carbonation, low bitterness. Flavours of lemon, grapefruit, pineapple and orange. The finish is subtle lingering citrus.

Mikkeller Chill Pils with Yuzu. Pils 5% – yellow/orange, hazy with very small, thin head and nice lacing. Aromas of malt, caramel and subtle citrus – lemon and lime. Palate is low bitterness with nice carbonation. Flavour is citrusy malt with a hint of perfume. Palate is crisp and refreshing. Very drinkable.

Mikkeller Hallo, Ich Bin Berliner. Blood Orange Berliner Weisse. 3.7% – Yellow, hazy with a small white head.Aroma is quite aromatic, orange, haribo. Palate is sour but not overly so with flavours of orange, caramel and malt. Maybe not everyones style but very nice.

Mikkeller Mitte Wit. Wit. 4.6%. – Yellow/orange, hazy with a small white head. Aromas of caramel, pine, resin, orange and some slight citrus. Palate is soft, round, very gentle carbonation and low bitterness. Flavours of lemon and spices; coriander and clove. Very nice.

Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast. Coffee Stout. 7.5% – Black, opaque with a thin tan coloured head. Aromas of coffee, malt, some chocolate, espresso and a leathery smokieness. Palate is medium bitterness, gentle carbonation and with less pronounced flavour than expected. Gentle coffee, chocolate and caramel. A nicely balanced beer which has a lingering finish with a hint of dark cherry. Very good.

Parasite Produktions. Hops Hopstadt Berlin IPA. 7% – light orange/yellow, hazy with a very thin non persistent head. Intense hoppy aromas; lemon, grapefruit pith and pineapple. Palate is low carbonation, low bitterness. Slightly creamy texture with pineapple and apricot. A slight bitter finish.

Epic Armageddon IPA. 6.7% – Amber appearance, clear with a thin white head. Aromas of malt, caramel, orange, bread, toffee and a slight floral note. Palate is low bitterness with gentle carbonation. Full flavoured with lots of orange and malt.

Rutz Wine Bar

Restaurant Rutz is one of Berlin’s seven two star Michelin restaurants with chef Marco Müller at the helm. Downstairs from the restaurant is a wine bar which itself holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Located on Chausseestraße in Berlin’s central district it is everything you would want from a wine bar. Wine takes centre stage with bottles in a display filling a whole wall. The wine list is excellent and naturally German wines feature heavily, there is a good choice of wines by the glass and the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.

The menu offers creative interpretations of traditional, regional dishes. As you would expect the cooking is first class and service is attentive without being overbearing. We decided to try a few wines by the glass rather than buy a bottle.

Roasted Berlin Black Pudding with vegetables

Pork Knuckle, Potato – sauerkraut and carrot

Prignitz Chicken, roasted onions with mashed potato and vegetables.

The wines

Georg Breuer Estate Rauenthal 2016. Rheingau – Wonderful aromas of lime with hints of lemon and petrol. Dry with great balance, lime and fresh zingy acidity, slight spritz. A nice lingering finish.

Immich – Batterieberg Eschenburg Riesling 2011. Mosel – Lime green in appearance, crystal clear and bright. Nose is intensely petrol and lime with a slight herby note. Palate is fuller, medium bodied. A really nice, elegant wine.

Vino Verde. Muros de Melgaço. Alvarinho. 2017 – Aromas of lime and stone fruits. Nice weight and balance with some real character and a saline minerality. A long, long finish. This really is very good.

Haart. Goldtropfchen. Spaltete. 2013. Mosel – Nose is restrained -lime, petrol. Palate shows excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Flavours of lime, lemon and touch of honey spice.

Domaine de l’Horizon. Mar i Montanya. Cotes Catalanes. 2016 – Cherry red and youthful. Nose is fresh fruits; raspberry and strawberry with a touch of cherry. Palate is light with lovely red berry fruits, a hint of violets and a lovely savoury finish.