OK, it's settled. Next time I go out for a really satisfying beer in Hamburg, it's Circle 8.
Why? Because the nascent craft brew scene in the Hansestadt suffers from two problems: 1) fear of alienating German lager drinkers by serving them up something too genuinely flavorful; and, 2) creating weak, flawed, amateurish versions of pale ales, IPAs, et cetera because they just aren't very good at it.
Circle 8 does NOT suffer from these failings. The black IPA I had there, was probably the best I've ever had. It was lush, lively, complex, rich, balanced, and at the same time wonderfully unique. Hands down, a winner. The Citra Blonde had lovely citra character, and some real assertiveness too - - also lush and rich - - this is REAL brewing - - real hand-crafted care - - and the beers go the distance. The 5-grain I had was a bit jarring at first, because it is is also a no-compromise flavor conveyor, but I came to appreciate it over the course of the glass.
The owners are delightful; they have a dedicated local following (which they fully deserve); the hours are limited (4p-8p Mon-Friday) so you have to time your visit, but it is totally worth the while.
A lushness, richness, flavor oasis in what is otherwise a tepid sea of craft beer mediocrity in Hamburg. You could call it a "geheimtipp" (secret recomendation) but I hope it doesn't stay that way for long. It's a two block walk from U-bahn Alsterdorf, and a pretty little bahn trip up through Eppendorf, and a joyous little stroll, it totally is. read more