Chicagoland Lagers (2021)

YES!!! I had it on tap last year and absolutely loved it

 

“ ‘What’ ain’t no country I ever heard of! They speak English in what?!!?”

 

I am heading over to drink some later this afternoon. It was easily one of the best beers Art history has made thus far. And I suspect it’ll be even better this year because it seems AH always make a jump from batch 1 to 2

 

Step away from the vicodin my friend, it's effecting your comprehension.

 

Hey folks don't sleep on Art History Wenceslas! If you like Czech Dark Lager it is definitely a great local beer to check out.

@FBarber We both posted a review of the beer almost at the exact same time. very nice! never had that happen before.

 

Loved the Art History Wenceslas! Picked up a 4-pack at Binny’s and this is great.

 

This batch of Wenceslas is a bit different than last year. I like it, don’t love it. Still easily worth the price of admission

 

I had a fantastic time Saturday at Laschet's Inn on Irving Park in the city.

I'm sure this is old news to the wiser lager-heads here who aren't recent converts, but to anyone that hasn't been, I highly recommend it.

The bartender (manager? owner?) was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and affable, and the beer list was great. I had an Ayinger Dunkel on draft and a 2015 Aventinus Doppelbock bottle, both of which are were delightful.

Plus...open super late, unlike most beer-centric bars in the city these days.

 

what is different with this batch?

 

Last years version was a pinch drier and more refined. This beer isn’t quite as clear as last years. That may change over the next week or 2, as Art History serves most of their draft directly from tanks so it’ll likely clear up with more time. They can barely make enough beer at the moment so it’s possible it’s getting served a bit early just to fill a need. I’m a huge fan of their stuff, and this is still something I’ll be drinking often. My bar for Art History is pretty damn high, so don’t take my review too harshly. A nice Art History lager is still better than most, even in this strong market

 

No food? Ugh, rookie.

 

Missed the kitchen cut-off, sadly!!

 

Next time. You'll thank me later.

 

To clarify: Germany.

 

The lager thread on page 2?! Not on my watch!!

Having Wenceslas (Art History' dark Czech lager) right now. Hot take: I prefer Roaring Table's (12 Degrees) take on the style more. Roaring Table has more roasty, malty notes. Art History's version tastes a lot more like, well, a regular Czech lager. If anything, I'd bet Wenceslas is more true-to-style while 12 Degrees is more modified for Porter / Stout accents.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I'm drinking this straight from the can in a theater, waiting for a movie to start. I have another can that will get a more focused session.

 

Well, from the BJCP guidelines* on Czech Dark Lager, edited by foremost Czech beer expert Evan Rail:

Interesting as well, the SRM (color) of CDL can be anywhere from 14 to 35.

Also worth a read: https://vinepair.com/articles/czech-beer-dark-lager/

(*Quoting Mr. Rail, himself: "...a set of style descriptions for homebrewers and pro brewers alike.")

 

#trashpalate strikes again.

Having Wenceslas poured into a glass, and in relaxing home environs, it's a completely different beer.

It's less roasty / dark than 12° (Roaring Table's dark Czech lager), perhaps, but in the nose there is nice rye bread, acorn, fresh spring water & faint hop notes. It's got a creamy, but not too heavy mouthfeel. Then nice fresh bread, acorn, mild cream and faint hop bite flavors.

I think the main difference between 12° and Wenceslas is the faint (very European) hop note on Art History's version. Overall, I rescind my hot take, as I think it makes this a more balanced, well-rounded brew.

I really like them both, however, and I'm glad I have access to both of their offerings with relative ease.

 

So, fellow Midwest Lager Lubbers, I'm having my first Art History (a curriculum at college I both hated and loved); Bauhaus Pils.

Very impressive take on the style -- and I really like the use of the Tettnang hops.

A very nice session lager.

 

Proper Pilsner for sure. You’ll want to try the Czech pils, Gravitace. Especially great when poured through a Lukr on site. Shoot me a DM if you ever find yourself out that way, its my neighborhood