Introduction to German Beer

Isn't the "beer garden" more or less just a patio?

Nonetheless, it's a great spot for pub food and well-made beer -- if not full-on Germanic.

 

I just want to say that I appreciate your openness in sharing your journey and your willingness to give these classics a try as they actually are on the shelf! I think that what your documenting here is something that every "beer lover" in this country should do and would benefit greatly from.

Even though most reasonable people would conclude that buying fresher local examples of the styles they like is a better use of money, I feel like I have (and you seem to be) learned a lot about what beer IS by exploring these foundational brews.

Cheers to your quest and thank you for bringing us along for the ride!

 

To be honest, I think very few breweries in the US compare to Ayinger Celebrator, particularly in terms of malt depth and drinkability. Plus, Bock is a challenging style to find, especially during this time of the year.

I still have my little ornament from the first Celebrator I've ever had!

 

I had a collected handful for awhile, then I realized what it signified.

 

Picked up two 4-packs of Tyskie Gronie, 500ml, $7.49/per today. Best by date of 3-20-22. No complaints.

 

No doubt. There are definitely some styles where I think the European examples outshine any US examples, even with a little more age. For me personally it is helles with old shonramer gold or hofbrau original being the best I can get locally. Probably depends on your local beer options and your personal preferences.

 

@BigIronH One of these is headed your way. Please add your thoughts in this thread. Really curious to see how you like it.

 

Man, worth its weight in gold!

Where are you finding this in IL, and what are they gouging?

I had friends in Stuttgart who brought me Rothaus in the past, so I'd really like to try it again... but it's outrageously priced.

 

There’s a few places (Beer Temple on occasion). Got mine at Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge for $2.41/bottle.
https://wehavegreatbeer.square.site/product/rothaus-pils-tannen-zapfle/3146
They also have a shop in Arlington Heights.
The importer also has an online product finder:
https://stkillian.com/beers/product-finder/

 

Filed away for future reference. Thanks!

 

Greatest Of All Time????

 

FTFY.

 

I picked up a beer because of the picture you posted a while back @BigIronH found some Konig Pils 3.30.21 dated. It will be a beer that is new to me, I also found Gaffel Radler (5.20.21) which is also new to me, I love their Kolsch and had no idea they even made a radler till I came across it. Looking forward to trying them both.

 

Is the date on the bottom of the can "5.20.21"?

I recently purchased a four-pack of Gaffel Kolsch and on the bottom of the can is lists: "05.16.2022" which has the be the best by date. Any idea what duration Gaffel uses for their best by duration on this can of Kolsch?

Cheers!

 

No Jack, can said 5.20.22, I just assume they use a year BBD. So my guess canned 5.20.21

 

To give you an idea, I went straight to arguably the most popular brewery in craft beer today...Tree House.

Their rating is a 4.48.

 

This thread also inspired me to pick up some German beer. 4 packs of Ayinger Bavarian Pils are newly available at one of my local spots. Bottled in March. Not too shabby but they won't be replacing my other go to pilsners and they ain't cheap! ($12 for a 4 x 11.2)