Märican Biere Bought and Drunk...

Hmmm. Possible I am thinking of something else (dangit!). Those prices are very reasonable.

 

Might've been something else -- seekabrew.com doesn't seem to show them in your area, though I don't know how often it gets updated.

Funny, but here in AZ we tend to have pretty darn reasonable pricing on craft stuff. Even Victory's Helles (which was my other big favorite from recent forays into US takes on German styles), which is obviously brewed clear across the country, is $8.99/sixer. You can fairly consistently get Deschutes, Firestone Walker, etc. for $7.99, often a buck cheaper on sale at the grocery stores.

Sadly, I think this is part of the reason import stuff sits -- at $9.99 and higher for sixers (or $3.50 and up for 500ml bottles), folks will just reach for something cheaper. I also think AZ is newer in the craft thing and has more of a "tradition" with macro beer, so folks are just now warming up to the slightly higher price of crafts, much less even higher for import.

 

The other consideration is freshness. I would be willing to bet that the Ninkasi, Victory, etc. beers are much fresher than the alternative imports. I know that is the case for me here in PA.

By the way, I had a draft pint of Lux and I agree 100% with what you posted. It is indeed a very tasty Helles beer!

Cheers to Ninkasi and Victory!!!

 

I'd agree with this in general. Conversely, I think price is also the reason many of us choose the (admittedly older) imports over "craft" versions; for me, a fresh U.S. interpretation that doesn't quite hit the mark AND costs $10-14 a six pack is going to be passed over for some relatively fresh Spaten (at $6.99) every time.

 

Sounds like you guys experience our pricing issues out here in reverse (which perhaps makes sense, as you're quite a bit closer to Europe than we are ) -- Spaten lager is $8.99/sixer, same as Victory, Ninkasi, etc., and a buck more than SN Summerfest, Anchor California Lager, etc. Combine that with folks' general price aversion, and freshness issues, and you've got a recipe for a hard market for imports.

Man...$6.99/sixer for the Spaten? I wish.

 

I suppose it is where you located. Spaten costs over 10 bucks in my area (e.g., $10.99) and they are typically over 5-6 months old. Costs more and old is not a ‘good deal’ from my personal perspective.

Cheers!

P.S. I do purchase Spaten when I can find it fresh (which is a very, very rare event). It is a quality beer and I am willing to pay the extra 2-3 dollars when I can find it fresh.

 

Granted I do have to go out of my way a bit to a discounter here to get that price (supermarket right up the street is $7.99), but IMO it's well worth it. While I like Summerfest (and Victory) quite a bit, they are both more expensive and ultimately (and perhaps most importantly) don't really scratch that German itch that seems to have been clinging to me for the last decade and a half or so...

EDIT: Victory is $10.99 here, even at the discounter.

 

I really dig Summerfest, can't wait to pick some up. I actually love how Sierra Nevada left this one as a summer seasonal AND have Nooner. Nooner can appease those who want a hoppier pilsner, and Summerfest can cater to those who like a more "traditional" lower abv/IBU type pilsner.

I grabbed my first six pack of Sunshine Pils last weekend, much like a few I had last year, it just didn't taste right. Later that night I finally had Rothaus Pils on tap, and it tasted EXACTLY like the Sunshine I had earlier that day. In this case, it wasn't a good thing. I think I pinpointed the reason why, palate fatigue.

Before my first Sunshine I had a Kentucky Breakfast Stout and a Lagunitas Sucks on tap. Then after the Sunshine I had a Jack's Abby trIPL (their triple IPL at 10%), a local session IPA, a few local saisons, and then finally the Rothaus (which I adored in the bottle).

Last night with a fresh palate I had another bottle of Sunshine, and it was spot on. I think from this experience (and others) that overloading my palate blunts my ability to detect the subtleties of pilsner malt. I also followed up the Sunshine with a Sixpoint Crisp, and wow, I DO NOT remember it being this hoppy. Not a bad beer at all, but it was completely unbalanced and I had a hard time picking up much sweetness from the malt in this one. But man, "The Crisp" is a great name for this beer, because that's exactly what it was.

 

I don't think that's what happened here. The exact opposite, it was by far the beer I saw most drinking at the bar (including everyone at my table, this bar puts every beer in the brewery's own glass, that's how I knew). Rothaus is insanely popular around Boston, from distributors to bartenders to shop owners, everyone is raving about this pilsner at the moment.

Now, it is possible the keg is oldER, not sure how old is. I only base this on the fact that the same lot that hit here a few months ago is still here. I haven't seen new shipments of Rothaus at the liquor store since it first dropped.

 

Thoughts on Oskar Blues's Mama's Little Yella Pils? I'd had it previously and really not thought much of it, but I had some on tap last night, and, while not a leader in class or anything, it surprised me with a nice toasty sort of bready note in the finish. Probably could've used a little more noble hop expression, and perhaps had a bit too much sweetness, but it was definitely better than the can I'd previously had (maybe there was a freshness issue with that one?) In any case, I didn't intend to drink it, but a friend bought a pitcher, and I was pleasantly surprised.

 

I had it a few times a couple of years back and was extremely underwhelmed. But I, too, have heard some things recently that seem to indicate things have improved somewhat.

 

Yeah, the reviews here on BA certainly aren't flattering, particularly from further back. Maybe updated recipe over there, or better process, or something? Again, not a game changer or anything, but worth a shot if you happen to see it fresh on draught.

 

Pretty darn happy summer is near.

 

Got one'a those chillin' meself.

 

Mama's Lil Yella Pils HAS changed and improved. It's still not particularly great, but I'd say it's at least decent now. The diacetyl is mostly gone and the saaz hops come through much more clearly. Out here it's nearly as ubiquitous as Dale's, Fat Tire, 90 Shilling, and Avery IPA and I'd still probably choose all of them over it

 

Picked up the last 6 pack of Lakefront's Big Easy Maibock at the only place around that I saw with it (I probably bought the whole case over the last month-and-a-half). It's starting to show age with some mild haziness, but it's still about the best Maibock I've had in a long while; lightly sweetish, bready and chewy up front with a light bitterness and dryness in the finish for balance. Wish I could find more Maibocks this year, but pickins seem slim.

 

Saw this at the same place mentioned above, but I didn't bother because I couldn't remember any dating info. Do they clearly mark their cans, and, what vintage would I look for to avoid butter bombs?

 

They changed it a while ago - probably more than a year ago. I'd think almost all of them should be safe by now. I think they're dated on the bottom of the cans, though. I know Ten Fidy is.