craft lager

New Beer Blog Shiner Bohemian Black Lager

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In this beer blog, we are going to get into the Black Lager from Shiner Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Texas craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this little brewery can.  Let us get into this beer.

It has a black color with a tan color head that disappears over time. There is no aroma to this black lager. The taste has a clean crisp like roasted malty notes. The aftertaste has a slight malty notes but still has a clean crisp finish like all lagers on beer market. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

Here in Shiner, TX (population 2,070), we’ve been handcrafting beer since 1909.  The passion of our original brewmaster, Kosmos Spoetzl, continues to inspire our efforts today.  First brewed to commemorate our 97th anniversary, this Bohemian Black Lager remains true to the old-world heritage of the German and Czech immigrants who settled Shiner.  Imported Czech Saaz and Styrian hops, and select roasted malts make this “Schwarzbier” our darkest brew yet.  Prosit!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shiner.com

Twitter:  @shinerbeer

Closing, I have been a pretty big fan of Shiner Brewery.  When I lived in Chicago, I could find their beers everywhere.  Since I moved back to Michigan, it is pretty hard to find their beers.  I had to buy a sampler back which I am not complaining.  I do not like the fact I cannot get more Black Lager and other brews.  I like this black lager. There is not too many good Black Lagers in market.  It has a nice balance and you can drink this in the hot summer days and of course the coldest winter days.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Urban Chestnut Brewing Zwickel Bavarian Style Lager

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample a beer for the first time on this blog.  The brewery is out St. Louis, Missouri and they call themselves Urban Chesthut Brewing Company.  The beer that will be feature is their Zwickel Bavarian Style Lager.  This brewery opened their doors about five years ago.  They opened their second brewery two years ago and it is the largest craft brewery in the St Louis area.  There is not much history on this young and upcoming craft brewery.  Let us get into this Lager.

It has a golden to strew color with a constant white head. There is an aroma but it is pretty faded. The taste has a sweet malty with some slight hoppy notes. It has a very low IBU’s. The aftertaste has a crisp dry finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Pronounced ‘zv-ick-el’ the flagship lager of our Reverence Series (classically crafted, timeless, European-style biers) is an unfiltered, unpasteurized, German-style classic that finishes as a smooth-drinking, naturally cloudy bier (from the yeast).  Prost!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.urbanchestnut.com

Twitter:  @urbanchestnut

Closing, as many of you know, I have been on the search for the perfect craft lager.  Of course, if you have been reading my blog on a day-to-day.  While I was in Chicago visiting, I had a chance to bring some beer back with me.  This packaging caught my eye.  I love the bottles and four pack package.  This beer is named after an old German word.  I have to say my search is over.  This is the perfect craft lager. I love this beer.  There is some nice sweet malty but a little hoppy notes like a pilsner.  I highly recommend this beer.  I hoping to make a trip down to St Louis.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Wisconsin Brewing #008 OL’ Reliable Beer

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample the first brew from Wisconsin Brewing Company.  It is their Ol’ Reliable Beer.  Wisconsin Brewing Company was founded at Verona, WI in 2013.  There is not much information on this craft brewery that is Made in Wisconsin.  Let us get this Lager.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head. The smell has a refreshing to sweet malty and a light hop notes. The taste has a sweet malty to a light hoppy notes. The aftertaste has a crisp dry finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descriation from the beer bottle:

This is a beer that is everything a beer should be.  A beer that’s crisp, refreshing, fun to drink, a Munich Helles lager that has malt at heart and a spirit that’s all about flavor.  This is a beer you can rely on for great taste, a beer you can count on every time you visit the fridge, a beer like an old friend who never let’s you down.  This beer is pure Wisconsin.  This is Ol’ Reliable.  Cheers!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.wisconsinbrewingcompany.com

Twitter:  @wisbrewingco

Closing, I picked up this beer while I was in Chicago.  I have been searching for a good craft lager. I do not know why but I picked up a lot of craft lagers and no IPA while in Chicago.  It is normally the other way around.  I know I have been on the hunt for a good craft lager. I love this beer. I have to say this is closest to being the perfect craft lager. The price is perfect. They did a great job on this beer.  It is a nice refreshing lager.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Shiner Brewery Birthday Beer Chocolate Stout

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In this winter beer blog, we are going to get into the first stout from Shiner Brewery.  It is their #106 Birthday Beer and it is called Birthday Beer Stout.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Texas craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Shiner.  Let us get into this stout.

It has a jet black color with a tan constant head. The smell has a heavy chocolate notes. It also has a fresh chocolate cake notes. The taste has a sweet to heavy chocolate notes with a dry cocoa chocolate aftertaste. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Happy Beer-Day to Shiner!

To celebrate the 106th birthday of the “Little Brewery” in Shiner, we crafted this special limited-edition brew that’s a sweet treat for all.  Brewed with chocolate malt and real cocoa, this year’s Shiner Birthday Beer is a delicious stout with a soft creamy head, chocolate aroma and taste and a slightly sweet finish.  Drink this beer that’s as rich as Shiner’s heritage while it lasts – once it’s gone, you’ll have to wait until next year for another birthday surprise!

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shiner.com

Twitter:  @shinerbeer

In closing, I am very proud of Shiner Brewery.  When I was down there, they were getting ready to open their Ale Brew House.  This brewery has come a long way in 100 years.  Happy Birthday, Shiner!  This is their first stout and their new winter seasonal.  I will have to say it is not disappointing.  I love it. It is like a chocolate cake taste but in liquid form.  It has a nice aroma and taste profile.  There is nothing more to say but this is an awesome beer.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Short’s Brew Thirst Mutilator Munich Helles Style Lager

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample the last beer from their Fall Sampler Pack.  Short’s Brew made this beer, which is Thirst Mutilator Munich Helles Style Lager.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Michigan craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know Short’s Brewing.  Let us get into this Helles Lager.

It is a cloudy golden color with a constant white head. There is no aroma to this lager beer style. The taste has a sweet malty notes with crisp aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.shortsbrewing.com):

Thirst Mutilator is a light straw-blonde lager with sharp doughy yeast esters that gather atop a perfectly retained head. Kilned barley produces perfect bready and flour-like qualities that blend pleasantly with the beer’s mild hop bitterness. Aided by a wonderful effervescence, these delicate flavors fade into a crisp clean refreshing finish.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shortsbrewing.com

Twitter:  @shortsbrewing

Closing, I will say it again and again.  If you do not make a good lager or pilsner as a brewery, please do not make them.  Any style in the lager and pilsner world are hard to make just like sours.  Short’s Brewery is like most craft brewery.  They make average to below average lagers and pilsners.  I have them credit for trying.  There is something wrong when you have to add things to hide your faults in your beers.  They did not have to in this beer and their alt that reviewed yesterday same thing.  I have seem them do it in the past.  This is an average beer.  I just feel they could drop this beer and focus on their everyday or other beer styles.  This is my thought and I know others do enjoy their beers.  I like that and they do make some good ones.  If you see this one, try it.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog New Belgium Brewery Summer Helles

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While at Ashley’s Westland, we are going to sample the new summer seasonal from New Belgium.  It is their Summer Helles Lager.  It is a beer brewed for a music festival in the Denver area.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this craft brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get know this craft brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a clean bright golden color with a nice constant white head.  The aroma has notes of corn.  The taste has light carbonated corn to earthy notes with a nice lager crisp finish.  It is a drinkable beer.

Here is a description from their website (www.newbelgium.com):

Light, bright and easy drinking, now is your chance to drink in the festival season. First brewed to celebrate 40 years of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, it has since become Planet Bluegrass’ signature New Belgium offering (under the name Summer Bliss). This Summer Helles pours a brilliant gold, with soft, white foam. The aroma is fresh grains and honey with a spicy-herbal twang. This danceable lager carries the pleasant sweetness of pale and German Pils malts, and levels off with the light and noble bitterness of Hallertau and Tettnang hops. Summer Helles finishes crisp and dry, and is sure to refresh even the thirstiest reveler. Grab your banjo, crack a bottle and let the pickin’ shine.

Planet Bluegrass (located in Lyons, Colorado) was decimated by September 2013’s record flooding. New Belgium is donating $10,000 this year to Planet Bluegrass for rebuilding. You can help by volunteering or donating. Visit lyonsfightsback.com for more information.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.newbelgium.com

Twitter:  @newbelgium

Closing, I have become a pretty huge fan of this craft brewery of late.  It just seems ever since I moved back to Michigan.  My mind has opened up and realized that I am drinking some good brews.  I was excited to hear that they were coming out with a new Summer Seasonal.  When I saw the beer style, I knew I had to try it as soon as it came out.  I am a huge fan of Helles Lagers.  It is old German beer style.  It is light to medium body with a nice refreshing notes.  It has a nice crisp finish to it.  It is a perfect beer for any season but good for the spring and summer seasons. I believe the hops in this beer makes this beer what it is.  I love the notes from the aroma and taste profile.  I highly recommend you trying this lager.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Magic Hat Dream Machine IPL

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In this beer blog, we are going to try a new beer, which is Dream Machine, from Magic Hat Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this Northeast Craft Brewery. If you have not read those posts, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into this beer.

It has a slight cloudy copper color with a creamy white head on this India Pale Lager.  The aroma has a heavy citrus notes.  The taste has a slight carbonated citrus notes with a nice crisp clean finish.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

The ancient ritual of brewing a distinctly rich and flavorful beer is a performance to behold. Our mysterious melange of times honored ingredients harmonize with chaotic chemistry, humble patience, and blind faith to create this unique beer to share in the rousing company of kindred spirits. Cheers!

Here is a description from their website (http://www.magichat.net):

THE STORY

Currents flow through lips, swim through limbs, lines of spine, and loop back ’round again, coming to rest in the comfort of your mind. Dream Machine whirrs, something stirs and the ether swirls with visions and dreams, reminding us that nothing in our minds must be what it seems.

THE BEER

Dream Machine, an India Pale Lager or IPL, is a melding of varied visions of an India Pale Ale and an Amber Lager. Once poured, its light copper color delights the eyes and a citrusy hop aroma flows through the nose. Upon first sip, a smooth hop bitterness reveals itself – fresh, bold and slightly spicy – before subtle hints of mild maltiness appear. A big hop bite and a crisp, clean lager finish combine for a beautifully balanced beer. Take Dream Machine for a spin and let your reverie begin.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: http://www.magichat.net

Twitter:  @magichat

Closing, I have to say the later versions of IPL’s are making the earlier ones look really bad.  I will be honest at first I was not a fan of IPL’s.  I thought it was a joke or a fake of a beer style.  More and more craft breweries are making their version of India Pale Lager.  I understand why.  IPA’s are growing at a rapid rate and craft breweries are expanding IPA styles in that world.  I am a pretty big fan of Wolverine IPL.  I have to say Magic Hat out did themselves on their brew.  They have best IPL that I had so far on the market.  I know there are few more IPL’s coming soon and I will be looking for them when they hit the market.  Dream Machine is my favorite one so far.  I highly recommend this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Short’s Howling Chinaski

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample another beer, which is Howling Chinaski, from Short’s Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts, you know the history of this Northwest Brewery.  If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Michigan Craft brewery.  Let us get into this Lager.

It has a clear golden color with a constant white head on this craft lager. The aroma is fated but it is like corn notes.  The taste is like a drinks a carbonated sweet corn syrup with a clear crisp finish.  The corn notes is not making this drinkable to me.  I can see some beer drinkers thinking this beer is drinkable.

Here is a description from their website (www.shortsbrewing.com):

Howlin’ Chinaski is a light bodied, golden straw colored Dortmunder beer. It has bready Bohemian lager yeast esters and grassy hop aromas. The overall malt sweetness is quite low, with the dominate flavors being the hearty milled grains. Howlin’ Chinaski has slight bitter complements from the German Spalt hops.

Howlin’ Chinaski was brewed as a traditional German Dortmunder Lager. Dortmunder is a Pale Lager that originated in the industrial city of Dortmund, Germany. Originally brewed by Dortmunder Union brewery in 1873, this soft pilsner style beer became very popular with industrial workers, and was responsible for Dortmunder Union becoming Germany’s largest brewery and Dortmund having the highest concentration of breweries in Germany.

6.5% ABV

27 IBU

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.shortsbrewing.com

Twitter:  @ShortsBrewing

Ending, I have to say since moving back to Michigan from Chicago.  I was excited to get Short’s beers on a day-to-day basis.  I have went through and retry all  their beers.  To me, their beers do not taste like how I remember them.  I do not know if it is because my taste buds have changed or their quality has went down.  I know they have one thing right.  They keep releasing new beer brands every week.  That could be a good thing or a bad thing.  I believe it is a bad because.  I just believe they are pushing and rushing their beers to the market.  Just because it is from Michigan, it does not mean it is a good beer.  Now onto this beer, it reminds me of MGD.  It has too much corn front notes.  It is pretty drinkable.  I just wished the corn notes were not overpowering.  I do not recommend but let me know what you think of this beer.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

Instagram:  @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager

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While at Ashley’s Westland, we are going to sample another beer from Abita Brewery and it is their Strawberry Harvest Lager.  If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their Christmas Ale, you know the history of this southern craft brewery.  If you did not read those beer blog posts, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into this summer season.

It has a clear golden color with nice small constant bubbles.  This Lager has a nice white head on it.  The aroma has a strong sweet strawberries notes.  The taste profile has a strong sweet fresh strawberries notes.  It is like fresh picked strawberries.  The aftertaste is a nice strawberry finish that hangs around bit.  This light body Lager is extremely drinkable.

Here is a descrition from their website (www.abita.com):

Abita Strawberry Harvest is a lager brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. Real Louisiana strawberry juice is added after filtration resulting in a crisp lager with a sweet strawberry flavor, aroma and haze. It is wonderful with desserts or lighter fare such as salads and pastas. Fresh cheeses such as Burrata, chèvre, Crescenza, mozzarella or Teleme pair well with Strawberry Harvest.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.abita.com

Twitter:  @TheAbitaBeer

In the end, I am not a huge Lager or fruit beers. I have to say I was pretty impressed with this beer. I liked it but it is pretty average beer. I will not go out of my way to find this beer. If I see it, I will order it. It also depends what is in the bar or restaurant. It is extremely drinkable and has a ton of flavor. I really enjoyed drinking this beer. Go and try it. Please let me know what you think of this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Abita Amber Lager

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In this beer blog, we are going to sample out another brew, which is Amber Lager, from Abita Brewery.  If you read my earlier beer blog post on their Christmas Ale, you know the history of this southern craft brewery.  If you have not read that post, please, read it to get to know Abita Brewery.  Let us get into the beer.

It has a slight amber color with a constant white head on this Lager.  The aroma has a nice sweet caramel notes.  The taste of this light to medium body has a nice carbonated earthly to caramel notes with a nice crisp finish for the aftertaste.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a descriation from the beer bottle:

Abita Amber is a Munich style lager brewed with pale and caramel malts and German Perle hops.  It has a smooth, malty, caramel flavor and a rich amber color.  One of our first and most popular brews.  Amber pairs well with many foods.

Here is a description from their website (www.abita.com):

Amber

Amber is a Munich style lager brewed with pale and caramel malts and German Perle hops. It has a smooth, malty, slightly caramel flavor and a rich amber color. Abita Amber was the first beer offered by the brewery and continues to be our leading seller. Amber is Abita’s most versatile beer for pairing with food. It has been voted “best beer” in numerous New Orleans reader polls and is used frequently in recipes of great Louisiana chefs.

Because of its smooth, malty flavor, try it with smoked sausages, Louisiana boudin, or even with caviar. It’s great with crawfish and Cajun food. You might also enjoy it paired with a spicy gumbo or tomato-based pasta sauce. It also goes well also with fried catfish dipped in a tart, lemony tartar sauce. Parmesan, Pecorino and Romano cheeses are good pairings with Abita Amber.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.abita.com

Twitter: @theabitabeer

In the end, I just find myself not drinking their beers as much as New Belgium and Sierra Nevada beers from their samplers. I brought those packs after I brought Abita Party Pack, which is their sampler. I am not saying I did not like their beers. I did but not as much as those other breweries beers. As many of you know, I am on the search for a good and great craft lager. This Amber Lager was on the list to retry it. I have to say it is pretty average. It is not any special. It has more flavor than the mass produced American Lagers. If you never had this beer, I would try it and draw your own thoughts on this Amber Lager. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13