09 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in beer, best american beers, bock beers, Christian Moerlein, Guinness Black Lager, Hudepohl Oktoberfest Bier, Saengerfest Maibock, seasonal changes
In the world of beer each new year brings surprises. A good example is the Christian Moerlein Saengerfest Maibock which appeared at the end of spring, beautifully balanced with a generous, juicy malty palate with a floral note in the finish. As described in my original notes as “one of the best American beers sampled this year”. But my perception is biased perhaps, because I truly love bock beers, including the golden coloured ones, with a hint of honey-nectar in the nose.
The same can be said of Oktoberfest. Funny how matters sometimes work out. Only a week ago, minus a day, the temperature reached 100 degrees and people complained that it was too hot to be drinking Marzen. This was before a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico caused the season to turn in the Ohio Valley, and only 2 days later, I was out in the backyard drinking Samuel Adams Octoberfest with temperatures in the upper 50′s.
Some folks have complained about Oktoberfest beers appearing too early. Taste wise, this is sometimes true. When Samuel Adams version comes out at the beginning of August, it does not have the malty depth that it has now. Sampling a 22 ounce bottle each week of that month, it was fascinating to notice its development: from a very bright Nouveau creation where hops are in the forefront, to the malty depth and goodness found post-Labor Day, where the five malts have their say, as it were. As they say in cosmological physics: gravity has the final word.
The release of Hudepohl Oktoberfest Bier is joyous event for me, here in southwestern Ohio. It also compliments their Moerlein Fith &Vine Oktoberfest, which is also a tribute to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. In fact much of this is a Cincinnati story. The revival of the Hudepohl name is a tribute to this city’s beer baron past. This version of Marzen, I do believe would make Ludwig Hudepohl II proud.
Guinness Black Lager: The beer experts continue to weigh in on this. Some go to great lengths to describe the appearance of the pour, totally ignoring the instructions from Guinness that this beer is designed to be served cold and consumed straight from the bottle. Which I did, and found it to be an alternative to Bud, Miller and Coors, very drinkable with moderate alcohol strength. Which is perhaps what Guinness is aiming at: a decent beer for the football-tailgating crowd. The question has arisen whether Guinness Black Lager reflects the character of the St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin. I would have to say yes. It will be interesting to see whether this first bottom fermented Guinness actually sells.
That Is A Wrap
01 Jan 2011 1 Comment
in beer, Christian Moerlein, hudepohl amber, Uncategorized
In 2010, when it came to holiday beer, the year’s end was stocked full of releases. I wish I could have got around to more. What was once, two decades ago, a rarefied exotic search, is now almost inexhaustible with possibilities. The great brands, the so-called stuff of legends has become the order of the day. The American editions alone are enough to occupy your time; including the releases from other countries… well as they say, that completely tears it.
With the arrival of the new year, I look back at 2010 and remember the many fine efforts put forward by a variety of brewers, offering new takes on many categories. I could go in to that, but that’s not my job this time. My job is to name, what was for the beer doctor, the beer of the year. That honor belongs to: HUDEPOHL AMBER LAGER. Here is why.
“The market is ready for a full bodied, full flavored lager,” said Greg Hardman, head of Christain Moerlein Brewing, which also owns the Hudepohl-Schoenling brands. And what a lager they came up with! A viable, modestly priced alternative to all the cereal cooked soups called American lager. A flavorful drinking beer where its beauty is found in its direct honest simplicity, by adhering to the use of only the classic ingredients, and not through some souped-up advertising.
Enough said. Let this first post of the New Year be short and sweet.
Happy New Year To All
Thank You
The Beer Doctor
The Long March Of Marzen
24 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in beer, Bells, Christian Moerlein, Dundee beers, Leinenkugel's, matt brewing, Molson Coors, Octoberfest, samuel adams, Uncategorized
Actually, despite the melodrama of this title, it would be better to call this the long leisurely stroll down Oktoberfest lane. Of course in most cases, Oktoberfest beer refers to Marzen, that often amber coloured, malty brew that appears each fall, not only in Munich, Germany, but nearly everywhere else, since numerous breweries create their own versions of the style.
When I was younger and more foolish, I use to think What is the best Oktoberfest beer? But after many years I discovered such judgmental analysis is a waste of time, because Oktoberfest, in all of its variations, is a beer of love kind of thing.
Left Hand Brewing Oktoberfest was one of the earliest to appear this year. A smooth malty traditional that is a bit stronger than usual (6.6%abv), but completely focused.
Dundee Oktoberfest is Rochester, New York’s take, a densely malted recipe that puts emphasis on the orange-citrus notes and reminding me that malt is good for the soul.
Point Oktoberfest from Wisconsin, has an approach a bit brighter, but still very traditional. Another nudge to the fact that beer is food to be enjoyed with other food.
Heavy Seas Marzen from Clipper City Brewing in Baltimore, is a year-round available tribute to the style, once called “MazHon” that is malty smooth with a long gentle finish.
Leinenkugel Oktoberfest, from the craft beer division of Molson Coors, is a deliciously doughy version, expertly balanced with four specialty hops. Munich, Pale and Caramel malts give this recipe finesse.
Bells Octoberfest is lighter coloured (almost pale lager) version of the Fall classic. A pleasant reminder that not all the beer featured in Munich is deep amber in colour. This reminds me of the Lowenbrau recipe. A 5.5% quaff-able to be sure. Good from start to finish.
Saranac Oktoberfest is a tribute to German heritage. Like much of what is made at Matt Brewing, this beer is expertly done, achieving a marvelous balance between malts and hops.
Samuel Adams Octoberfest is the one most Americans will notice, due to its national visibility. And what a recipe it is! Over many years this recipe has been refined, so that it achieves sophisticated balance, which is a remarkable achievement considering the scale of production.
Moerlein Fifth & Vine Oktoberfest is a great Cincinnati take on Marzen, although it is not (as yet) produced here. A copper coloured beauty that is simply a pleasure to consume.
There are so many more, and as this season unfolds I will attempt to try as many as possible.
Hey, it is a job, but somebody has to do it.
Thank You.
The Beer Doctor
