California Lagers (2022)

Had 2 pints of Russian River STS Pils tonight. Very nice but expected more from such a pedigree

 

Give me Enegren, Eppig or Urban Roots for my palate and preferences. Caveat, I haven't had anything from Wondrous. Honorable mention to North Park.

 

Enegren would be my overall choice of the breweries that I've tried.

 

Tier 1: Moonlight, Urban Roots, Enegren, and Green Cheek
Tier 2: Highland Park, North Park, Monkish
Tier 3: Beachwood, TDNE, Smog City

Most of my lager consumption are split 60-70% with the ones listed here and rest are from out of state, some via trade (Suarez, Bierstadt) but lately more of what’s available on distro, Wayfinder, and Heater Allen.

Still need to try some Eppig, Wondrous, and probably overlooking Alvarado St, as much as I hate to admit it.

 

Yeah I pretty much agree with this list, especially Tier 1. Interestingly, Tier 2 is where you'll find the hoppy lagers

 

drinking my last can of wondrous pils, can't recommend it enough

 

Radiant makes some really nice lagers too. Green Cheek and North Park are also very good, in addition to Enegren who I mentioned a few posts ago.

 

I don’t do lagers much. But when I do I do Enegren. I have bought from Green Cheek, but I mostly buy their ipa’s.

 

Did ya crack one open over the weekend? If so, how was it?

 

Yes, I did. I enjoyed it a lot. I’ll start with the disclaimer that I’m typically a big fan of nitro cans. I tried to stay true to the experience by letting the can sit outside the fridge for a bit before opening the can. Approximately 45 degrees. I gave it a hard pour right down the center of the glass and a nice foamy head formed. The smell is of bright American hops. The Citra notes are somewhat subdued but that seemed appropriate for the style. The finish is a classic bitter.

This was very much a classic English style ale with a nice American twist using the Citra hops. I very much enjoyed this one and think I might stop by to pick up another 4 pack this week along with cans of the Australian Pale Ale.

 

Thanks for sharing @StonedRaider, I'm going to hold off one more day to see if they add another lager before placing a Green Cheek order. If nothing else drops it looks like it'll be a half case of Fourth Cousin Thrice Removed since Helles is off the menu.

 

Yeah. He was the brewer/blender at Beachwood Blendery. Prior to that I think he was at Pizza Port. Ryan is a great guy. Super nice and makes fantastic stuff

 

I haven't yet had anything from Moonlight, just ordered a mix case of "flagship lagers" which hopefully arrives Thurs/Fri. On staycation all next week so ordered this and more GreenCheek to keep me satiated.

 

Had FW Pivo Pils for the first time yesterday. Was pretty good but not quite at the super level of my California favorites.

 

Mrs. Smorgasvein and I stopped at Bagby in Oceanside yesterday. Tried a few brews and I really enjoyed their “Gotta Pay The Pils”. Will definitely be a return customer.

 

Oh my! Glad you're finally getting this party started!

 

New lager-centric brewery coming to Sac. I am really excited for them and hope they are able to put out some great beer!

https://www.geisthausbeer.com/