Like Lennon and McCartney, sausage and beer work well separately, but best together. Wursthaus in SanTana understands this better than most. Their cases of sausages is rivaled only by an encyclopedia of German and Belgian brews in its dining hall. They also understand that most local beer drinkers might need a little guidance when it comes to German and Belgian style beers, so don't be shy and ask questions. Discuss!!
A cold Delirium Tremens (8.5% ABV) Belgian pale ale is a fine beer to start with, smooth, rich in flavor, and slightly sweet from the fruit: apple, pear, banana. Hofbrau Munchen (5.1% ABV) is a pale lager, light in color but full in flavor. Malt and hops are evident in this beer that finishes clean. Franziskaner Weissbier (5% ABV) Hefeweizen is eautifully unfiltered, almost orange in color, and a definite step up from a Blue Moon or Shock Top; you don't need to add a slice of orange to this hefe, since it's already in there. Pair this with the Hatch Chicken sausage! If you're looking for something light, similar to a Budweiser, but with more flavor, Wittekerke (5% ABV) Witbier is it. A refreshing change of pace, this Belgian wheat beer has a slight citrus flavor and more malty than hoppy—a perfect beer for our eternal summer.
These are just a few of the beers that Wursthaus has to offer, along with their sausages and fries they also have a fun Trivia night every Wednesday. Happy Hour after 10 p.m. so come on down to the East End or, as we call it, Little Bavaria. Okay, by “we,” I mean “I”…HA!
Wursthaus 305 E. Fourth St., #106 Santa Ana, (714) 760-4333; www.wursthausdtsa.com
