California Lagers (2022)

Finally got ahold of some Death & Taxes. Man this is thick and delicious on a overcast and smoky day.

 

Made it out to Enegren for the first time this afternoon. The space is incredible, the pours top tier, but the price... wow. $10 for a 6 pack of their Helles and most 4 pack 16oz $11-12. It's almost worth it for me to drive from PV every few months and load up for their pricing alone.

Ended up leaving with about $200 of beer that normally would cost $300+ at my local spots for similar styles. Love me some Enegren

 

Had a couple of Urban Roots 14° tonight over dinner. Such a powerhouse lager: sweet caramel, toasted bread notes and a balance of a robust, hoppy finish. Had this with some roasted chicken with a mix of confit and roasted potatoes, sautéed onions and mushrooms, and a side of chimichurri.

 

I finally made it to Eppig last week and thought the Japanese rice lager was excellent. And the kolsch (I know, not technically a lager) was one of the best I've had from the US.

 

Has anyone had a chance to try the Vienna Lager by Green Cheek? Thinking of purchasing a case for delivery this evening split with the Vienna and Timbo. Can't beat that $20 flat shipping with gas prices going to the moon. Sure do wish Enegren would price shipping similar to GC.

Speaking of Timbo, GC released their take on Timbo today (check IG) for Timbo Week. I'm going into it fully expecting the flavor and aroma of a west coast IPA on a pilsner label. My dream Timbo would be toned down on the hops, something slightly hoppier than Fill Pils. Ah well, suppose the hop bomb is what many find so appealing about Timbo.

 

Did they leave Cheeky off the can? I don’t see it.

 

I had it when it was on draught a few weeks ago, assuming it was not a different vienna lager. I purchased it in cans and also had it on draught again very recently. It was quite delightful.
My notes: https://untappd.com/user/thebeeremptor/checkin/1169113358

 

Moonlight Reality Czech is my go to. It doesn’t hurt that the Trader Joe’s in San Rafael has 4-pk for $12.99, ha.

Also, I now work in Santa Rosa, so I’ll be able to swing by brewery if they have any special releases that look good. I really liked Paternal Instinct that was released a couple of months ago.

 

Found a pleasant surprise for those in the South Bay. King Harbor has a Schwarzbier on tap and in cans named The Davey J. I'm usually whatever with King Harbor but this one is a legit really really good. Checked untappd and it's sitting at 4.25, granted the sample size is small, but most of their stuff is sub 4 if you place any stock in ratings.

Never thought I'd mention King Harbor on BA and definitely not in a lager thread...

 

I was at Wondrous last night and their Moonlight collab, Double Shadow, is really good. They call it a keller pilsner. If you complain about too much hops in lagers, this is not your beer. But I loved it.

 

I’m a big fan of wondrous and the biggest moonlight fan ever. But that beer smells like skunk/farts. Taste is pretty good. But 4.25/5 is pushing it.

 

I had the same issue when I had it a few weeks ago. smell was pure sulfur/rotten eggs. Would have snagged a 4pk if not for that

 

Was just at Bagby in Oceanside, No Helles Lager on draft was outstanding. They had cans so also bought a 4pk.

 

Interesting, I didn't get any of that. Maybe my fart receptors are burned out. I did notice there was nothing about it that would suggest Moonlight was involved.

 

Grabbed a can of Enegren's 11th Anniversary last night. Solid, crushable light lager

 

Latest batch of SARA’s surge capacity is just great. Cans and draft. As good as Reality Czeck if you’re a fan.
Also new release “Elevated Life” which is a 3% pilsner and accurately described as baby surge.

 

Idk if anyones mentioned it but i smashed a 6 pack of Lagertha from Enegren the other day.
Anything they make is awesome, but i like the hop profile in this one

 

Mumford Brewing - Material Element
Hoppy Pilsner
Better than Enegrens Lagertha

 

They also ship, but gas is cheaper than it was a few months ago

 

Eppig fresh batch of Festbier is tremendous, perfect in every way to me.