Chicagoland Lagers (2022)

Had one of my last Roaring Table Festbiers at the grill this afternoon -- still consider it one of the best German-style beers I've ever had brewed in the US.

 

Sad day at my local Binny's -- Oktoberfest beers nearly depleted, no more Hofbräu or Roaring Table Fests. A little Weihenstephaner, Paulaner, and H-P. A TON of Sam Adams.

 

While not on the level of some of the other top tier lager producers in the area, I’ve been a fan of most of what I’ve had from Kinslahger. Enjoying their Festbier now. Clean and dry with notes of cracker, lemon, apple, and a mild herbal bitterness. Goes quite well with a curry.

I did not try the marzen they simultaneously released, but I may have to pick some up.

 

I had the Marzen, and it was an easy top 5 local "Oktoberfest"* beer for me this year.


*this includes Marzens and Festbiers

 

Anyone try the athletic NA Oktoberfest? Seen it at binnys on the mixer shelf and was wondering if it is worth trying

 

Stop the presses! My local Binny's managed to get some more RT Festbier! Grabbed a last 4-pack.

Maybe.

 

My local Jewel has a sale on Ravinia Brewing Oktoberfest Märzen, so I took a chance on a 4-pack.

Nice noble hops in the nose, and great head retention, but the flavor is dominated by a peppery sharpness with light, sweet caramel malt back and mellow stone fruit in the finish.

Says it only uses Vienna & Munich malt, but the sweet caramel malt doesn't match -- and the sharpness -- not quite hop-bitter, just doesn't fit.

Lots of swings and misses with lagers out there. Then again, I don't see anything on the label saying this is actually bottom fermented.

 

The Chill Air, a Vienna lager by Maplewood, is...

 

Not a Chicagoland lager but this thread seemed as good as any. Beer Temple mentioned Urban Chestnut Stammtisch is back in the area after a long hiatus. Week old bottles @ BT to boot. Hopefully, other area stores will see this too.

 

I was talking with the beer manager at my Binny's -- UC has been switching distros in the Chicago area, so that's why there's been a lag.

 

You're in UC?

 

I should have realized that from what was above, but the sentence made sense since I thought @flat_lander had mentioned over the last 6ish mo or so things showing up slowly. OoOoOoOops.

 

You're in Urban Chestnut?

 

Hey, did I meet you yesterday at Hopewell over a pint of Stay Frosty while I killed time waiting for the bus?

 

Always wanted to try Sketchbook beers and found a leftover stash of their Okto locally.

It's got a nice blend of doughy to caramel malts, but the finish is a somewhat harshly bitter hoppiness that's somewhat distracting to-style. It lingers rather harshly at the back of the throat.

Seems like the standard recipe looked to light on hops, compared to other beers, so they threw more at it -- a practice I find from a lot of small American brewers.

It's not a bad drinker, just reminds me of pub-brewed Amber Lagers/Ales of the '90s -- if not a little off due to Noble hop overkill.

 

TOO light on hops. I really do know the difference between to, too, and two.

I should stick to a keyboard that fits my fingers better.

 

Wasn’t me, but I hope you enjoyed the beer! Also recommend the Salz Austrian-style Pils we did with Niteglow, the next time you’re in.

 

Church Street Brewery have recently released a Zoigl beer, The Book of Mark. It's a collaboration with Riverlands and Brit & Yankee Craft Beer Podcast. I've not had this style previously so interested in giving this a try if I come across it.