Märican Biere Bought and Drunk...

Ah, good point, and I actually think that may have been part of the issue now, as I remember seeing that particular cask kicked the next day. Will have to keep swinging by for more to see how other lagers come out.

As @AlcahueteJ said above, the pils I had was drinkable as all get out -- just so smooth, great flavor.

 

The Sly Fox Keller Pils that I had (served via hand pump) was clear so it is possible to produce clear Keller Pils beer.

Another example is Southampton Keller Pils (a summer seasonal). I have had this beer on draft and bottles and it has always been clear. I have never seen this beer on cask.

My homebrewed Pilsners (CAP, Bohemian Pilsner, 1896 Michelob, Pale Kellerbier) which are bottle conditioned are pretty clear. They are not crystal clear like a filtered beer (e.g., Budweiser) but they are by no means cloudy.

Cheers!

 

We had that at a little Biergarten just outside Pettstadt. It was fantastic, one of the best biers of our trip. And we just stumbled upon the Biergarten.

 

What's the name of this joint anyway? I imagine they have a web site, no?

 

Sun Up Brewing -> http://www.sunupbrewing.com/

They were always a safe bet to have a couple beers on cask, but they've been expanding lately and are up to 6 engines or so, I believe, with plans to add to that even. More cask beer is always a good thing in my book

Current taplist (I know, I know, the marzen with cinnamon and peppercorns is horrifying, but at least there's a pils w/ tettnanger to balance it out

http://www.taphunter.com/location/Sun-Up-Brewing-Company-&-Brewhouse/4713523968475136

 

Alright, just to create some dialogue, I stole this pic from Untappd (not my pic) of Sun Up's Pilsner w/ Tettnanger hops. Pretty darn murky. Assuming they dry hopped it in the cask and the murkiness is due to that, but I really have no idea what I'm talking about, so, you know, grains of salt and all.

Still wanting to stop by to try it, but a 3-week old baby has a way of clamping down on the pub runs

 

Congrats on the offspring! I hope someone is getting some sleep!

Zum Wohl!!

 

Thanks, my friend! The little one has been (mostly) kind to us so far, so not too much complaining here...although I may not have said the same last night around 3AM!

 

Earlier this week I was able to take some time to make a border run to Wisconsin and found Schell & Capital Maibock along with Prost beers from Colorado -- big surprise there. I opted for the Pils from Prost and find it a very nice rendition; bottle conditioned, so it takes on a Keller or Landbier profile. Very similar to New Glarus' Two Women.

Drinking a Capital Maibock now, one of my all time favorite beers from the early days of this brewery that specializes (or used to) in German-style brews. When the original brewmaster left the brewery it seemed like the German styles were suffering, but if the 2016 Maibock is any indication, the new brewmaster has worked out the kinks. Nicely bready and lightly sweet with a good balance of spicy hops to keep the sweetness from getting out of hand. A great improvement over the last couple years Maibock that was overrun with a little diacetyl.

 

Goose Island has re-released their Summertime Kölsch-style beer. Used to be one of my favorites... not so sure it's as good as it was -- I'd blame the change of hop source. Stay tuned throughout the season.

 

I got my hands on a 6-pack of the Live Oak Hefe this weekend. I've had it a few times before, but this was my first tango with the packaged version.
I have nothing bad to say about it, too. I think it's wonderful. I don't think I've had another example where I get cloves, vanilla, and banana in equal parts. Not sure it has an equal on American shores. Dry Dock and Prost have had varying degrees of excellence, but this is on par with Bavaria's finest.

 

Chris, I have had Live Oak Hefeweizen (on draft) many times on my numerous visits to Texas (visiting family and friends). It is indeed a very high quality Hefeweizen.

In my opinion Straub Hefeweizen is even better than Live Oak Hefeweizen.

I discussed this beer in a New Beer Sunday thread: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/new-beer-sunday-week-543.315625/#post-3885934

Cheers!

 

Can't say I've had that one...or any beer from Straub for that matter. I'm out of the trading circuit, but I'll hit up one of my friends that still does to try and hunt some down.

 

How does Sierra Nevada's Kellerweis (sic) stand up?

 

Chris, the Straub Hefeweizen is a summer seasonal so you will have to wait a few months to make your transaction.

FWIW, I am not a trader but I personally would be hesitant to ship beer during the summer months; too hot then.

Cheers!

 

Just my take, but I think the Live Oak's yeast has more depth. That could be a negative if you don't like the vanilla or cloves, but I think it's fantastic. There's also a certain richness about it. Kellerweis is also wonderful, but the subtle differences give the LO the edge. I feel the same way about my local fave from Dry Dock. It has racked up tons of awards and is probably on par with Kellerweis, but this is just a step beyond. Kind of like...maybe Paulaner vs. Weihenstephaner. Both are great, but there is a clear edge.

 

You took the words right out of my mouth.

For my palate the Straub Hefeweizen has the same qualities of depth & richness which makes it an excellent beer for my palate.

I guess I pick it up most on the mouthfeel aspect?

"Mouthfeel:

Smooth and luscious."

Cheers!

 

Some day I hope to try the Live Oak beers, I've heard nothing but praise for their takes on German styles.

FWIW -- I found some more Summit Maibock today. It seems like this brew is distributed hit-or-miss in my area these days. Used to be that it was always available in-season. Glad to see this is a "hit" year.