American Beers That Rival European Beers in European Styles

I've had Moonglow fresh. Have you had Aventinus or Vitus fresh from/near the source? I respectfully disagree with your assessment.

The only two I can think of in terms of German styles are Olde Meck Copper (it could fit seamlessly into the Duesseldorf Altbier scene, no problem) and New Glarus Two Women (as a German Landbier). In both cases, however, neither would be an outstanding representation, just a passable one.

For Belgian styles: maybe Allagash White (used to be Celis).

For UK cask: none.

For Czech pils, tmave, or cerne pivo: none.

Other than that, none.

We are not Europe. We do our styles best, not theirs.

EDIT: However, I'm sure you will find countless BAs who have never truly explored the source of such places telling you that there are countless U.S. beers that rival the originals.

 

murica

 

Is that on draught, or are bottles available yet? I'm totally jealous right now; it's been a few years since I had one, but at one time I truly thought it was one of the best beers on the east coast, so I can appreciate how you phrased that even though I think you're overstating it a bit. It definitely 'fits in' with its European cousins, though.

If I were to use 'fits in' as a standard, then Sunshine Pils is definitely a candidate. So is New Glarus Staghorn. Alagash White- definitely. Smuttynose Baltic Porter- a definite possibility.

I'm sure there are more- I'll have to think about it for a bit.

 

My thoughts? My thoughts are that I really need to try Moonglow. Victory's mainstays get to Rhode Island, but not much else, so I doubt I will have the chance. Nevertheless, a man can dream. I respect @Harnkus take on brews despite his bitter attitude ;-), and if it's up there with Vitus then it's a must-try in my book.

As for the question at hand....I don't have a ton of experience with European brews, certainly nothing like what @herrburgess is working with. Nevertheless, Urban Chestnuts Zwickel was some kick ass shit and I think I'd reach for that over a number of German imports, which I normally melt for.

 

Never had it, but have heard great things. Certainly willing to give it a shot; just that right now it is outside of my experience.

 

Sunshine could potentially fit in somewhere. Especially with the new-style citrusy-hopped pilsners appearing in Europe. As much as I love New Glarus, Staghorn is a very American interpretation of the style for my palate.

 

Re: Staghorn- I suppose if you use Munich as the standard, but it did bring Ayinger to mind, if a touch less full in flavor.

 

Great Lakes - Pick any lager in the portfolio. Personally Ayinger and Great Lakes Oktoberfests are neck and neck to pick a favorite. But Vienna Lager and Dortmunder are seriously unmatched and I'd even throw Wright Pils up there as a really great example too. Doppelrock wasn't totally top mark, but I really loved that beer as well. Wish it wasn't retired.

 

Too much roasted malt flavor for me in the Staghorn. Love New Glarus, though.

 

Having tried a lot of amazing beers in the us, many of which are European in heritage , I would give my left nut to try them side by side with the European equivalents. I would imagine like all food stuffs the American versions are different to mirror the local tastes.

 

Two Roads No Limit Hefeweizen rivals, if not surpasses, some of the German Hefeweizens I've had.

 

Good point about that style. I haven't had that particular beer, but have had a number of hefeweizens that were well made. Ramstein (when it's 'on') is absolutely fantastic.

 

Just hearsay, and I would love to try it myself (hint hint) but many find the Live Oak Hefeweizen fantastic. Decoction mash, protein rests and correct fermentation by a German brewer in Texas, so I've heard, I have.

 

Same thing with Ramstein- plus they have a really nicely full-flavored proprietary yeast strain that the owner acquired from a Bavarian brewer. Their problem is the bottling line, unfortunately, which leads to inconsistent bottles. On draught, it just kills.

 

Can't say I'm familiar with the brewery, but I'd love to try it. It's a New Jersey brewery (googling it), is it available out of state? Possibly in CT?? Or is it tap only and that'swhat you mean by "when its on"?

Edit: Website answers my question. NY, NJ, And PA. I'll be on the lookout though.

 

Spencer Trappist, I had a bottle. My beer guy said his distro will be selling it soon.

 

This thread reminds me of another.

 

Yeah, it's pretty local, but they definitely can do it right. 'When it's on' refers to the bottles, which is how I generally get to drink it, and like I posted above, they can be inconsistent. The last batch I had (July) was seriously undercarbonated and even flat in flavor- which is a shame, because if they solved that issue I think they would get more recognition.

 

Urban Chestnut's Zwickel. Not QUITE as perfect as some German/Austrian Zwickel/Kellerbiers, but it's close, and it's DAMN good at a great price. That's the only one I've come across thus far...we 'muricans can't QUITE get the best European styles perfect (gimme an American ale that rivals a real British cask ale, for example)...

New Glarus' Dancing Man is a damn good representation of something between a Hefeweizen and a Weizenbock, but it's not 100% authentic.....but MAN is it good...