RIP Summerfest

Good point.

Sierra Nevada E-Commerce beers are not available to me since I live in Pennsylvania but if they were but the shipping cost was onerous I too would refuse to buy. I would just go to my local Beer Retailer and buy Founders Porter (or whatever) instead.

Cheers!

@SierraTerence

 

These are the things I don't like about the new e-commerce fad with breweries.

On one hand, there are many states stuck in arcane post-Prohibition shipping laws (backed by the macros and the distributor conglomerates) which means that although beers like the Bock are theoretically available to everyone, people in states like ours need to literally get someone out-of-state to smuggle it for us.

Secondly, the shipping costs are quite exorbitant, and are not worth getting beers in the 4x16 format (yes, I've had something against this format today for some reason, although I'm also of the opinion most US beers should be sold by the pint as in Europe).

 

Perhaps I should add some detail. At first I added two 4 packs of Bock and went to check out. The shipping cost was $25. I then saw that SN provided "free" shipping with a minimum purchase of $75 so I got a friend to agree to buy a 4 pack of Bock. I then added a 4 pack of Life & Limb which I happened to have at the source a few years back. I'm really happy I got it again. It's pretty amazing how easy drinking (and delicious) this co-lab is weighing in over 10% ABV. I also added the iconic t-shirt to get over the limit.

 

Someone want to break it to this guy gently? The news about #11 must not have reached him yet (or maybe he's got one of *those* distributors ).

https://uproxx.com/life/best-craft-beers-bbq-2021/

 

News about his #1 hasn’t reached him yet I either, poor guy.

 

I thought about that too, but I haven't been able to unravel the Pivo mystery -- didn't they just rename it?

Was never a Pivo fan anyway.

 

https://www.firestonebeer.com/beer/pivo/

All he needs is the mixed 12-pack. Or a kegerator.

 

My buddy is having a keg of Pivo today for his birthday celebration. It's his birthday, but I feel like I'm the one getting the gift! #FreePivo #FreeSummerfest

 

I do Summit Brewing's Dakota Soul, a Czech-style pilsner. Only available in North Country though. I'm sure there are many alternatives in other regions though.

 

Well you're, unfortunately atypical for the avg craft lager consumer and to be fair the average craft lager consumer isn't particularly aware that it's a 'craft' beer, and they don't necessarily care that it is either.

I've got a ton of people who daily drink a Grain Belt, Sam Adams or something Lager Adjacent like Kona Bigwave or Leinenkugels. A smaller but still substantial selection who come in looking for a specific lager from a smaller local brewery.

Very rarely do I have someone come in specifically looking for new and different craft lagers and often it's hard to find them something they haven't tried before.

 

Well, that certainly stinks, but maybe it's problematic to your area because so many good lagers are available -- craft-brewed and import. Beer drinkers are sort of spoiled?

@grantcty

 

I finally broke down and picked up a six pack of Summerfest's replacement, Summer Break (Hazy Session IPA). It's pretty darn tasty though of course a bit watery at 4.6%. I prefer it to Hazy Little Thing although I don't really see a need to buy it again anytime soon.

 

That's pretty much how I felt too after bought a sixer recently. Not bad, but not something that I need to have again soon.

 

100+ degree day in Norcal. Visited an old friend. Usually only have North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner when on the Mendocino Coast between FB and Bodega Bay eating Crab Sandwiches, great pairing. Made for a solid Summerfest replacement over the long Weekend.

 

Does the brewery still call this an "American lager ale?"

The last time I had a Scrimshaw I tasted some off, for a Pils, fruitiness and other esters -- not heavy or distracting, just not right for a Pils.

Then I saw the NC website giving it that odd description* and thought that it really would be a good Kolsch.

*Edit: the website says they've won GABF ribbons ('92, '96) for the American Lager Ale category... and I don't see that category in the GABF styles anymore.

 

From the LABEL: This is a fresh tasting PILSNER-style beer brewed in the finest European Traditions.

Also on the label: Water, Malted Barley, Hops, Yeast, & that's all.

NC Website has PILSNER on it. https://northcoastbrewing.com/beers/year-round-beers/scrimshaw-pilsner-style-beer/

Named for the delicate engravings popularized by 19th century seafarers, Scrimshaw is a fresh tasting Pilsner brewed in the finest European tradition using Munich malt and Hallertauer and Tettnang hops. Scrimshaw has a subtle hop character, a crisp, clean palate, and a dry finish.

Untappd has it as a German Pilsner

Festival awards categories are always changing, tough to say what they were grouping in the early 90s.

 

And a lot of American brewers have odd perceptions of what Pilsners ought to be (Munich malt?).

Nonetheless, I tried the Scrimshaw not that long ago (not in the 90s) and would have given it higher points as a Kolsch.

Not to mention, why would they enter their Pilsner in a category called that? Let alone advertise the ribbons... maybe because they thought it could win?

 

Bell's Lager of the Lakes along with some local options I have available to me are worthy Summerfest replacements. But I sure do miss having SF available this year and the nostalgia of it all.

And not surprised to hear about Stout and Porter, haven't seen them in ages. Two more styles that seem to be falling by the wayside a bit unfortunately.

 

Bought a fresh six of Anchor Porter last week, still damn delish.

 

Can confirm.

I have been rekindling my love for the Anchor brand of late and was rewarded with Anchor Steam 2 weeks in the can. Damn delish as well.