They're brewing some super solid stuff in the *gasp* lager, bock, etc. formats. Believe it or not, there is an American brewery that is pumping out some fantastic stuff that doesn't have the words Imperial, Barrel Aged, Brett, or (insert any adjunct here) in the title of the beer. The only question I have is, why aren't these guys getting more pub on this website? We always have a thread or two about, "why don't Lagers have any A rated beers" or whatever. IMO, wonder no longer. Check Bayern out and see for yourself that there are A rated lager style beers being brewed right now in the United States. Cheers y'all!
I'm with you on Bayern. Dancing Trout (formerly Trout Slayer) is an excellent beer. And their pilsner is outstanding on draft and as a slow pour at the brewery. I think the issue is we haven't hyped them enough for the site to really "appreciate" their offerings. I've had a couple of beers of theirs I didn't care for, but generally, I think they are a solid brewery, and the brewer (name escapes me at this time) is a funny character with over a decade of training in Bavaria.
They were at the Lander Brewfest last year and I tried a couple of their beers, which were good, but missed trying their Schwarzbier, which I saw got great BA ratings. I just looked again and see that it's retired. Dammit!
It's a good time to be into lagers imo. There are quite few breweries redefining, or refining the style. Jack's Abby is #1 in my book. I will keep my eyes peeled for Beyern as well.
Unless something crazy has happened, Bayern Schwarzbier is definitely not retired. It's draft only though. Most of the Missoula crew doesn't review, keeping most of our great locals off of lists. Bitter Root Red Dread and Single Hop are great beers from a tiny brewery that don't get any play except for JohnGalt, who is one of the few Northern Rockies guys to consistently review stuff. Bayern's stuff is all very solid at least, though the feeling is among most of us in Missoula that they don't have any truly outstanding beer. I drink pitchers of their stuff for $7 all the time with friends at a trivia night they sponsor. In short, don't believe what you don't read about most Missoula beers. Most of us are too busy drinking the stuff to bother hyping it.
They are from Montana. I know their website has their distribution map so check there might help see where you can find their beers. I'd offer to make some trades but my local stores only stock 1-2 of their beers at a time. Also, I agree. The lager style and similar styles are great to get into. IMO, the American beer drinker wants a better tasting beer than BMC but they still want a light bodied, crisp beer to drink at the game or while camping etc. Anyways, just thought I should rep these guys. Now that I think of it, the Missoula area of Montana has several worthwhile breweries to check out in addition to the natural beauty. Big Sky Brewing, Bayern Brewing, and Bitterroot Brewing Company. I think there are several others as well. Also, Missoula, MT has close proximity to Wallace, Idaho for Wallace Brewing and also Sandpoint, Idaho for Laughing Dog Brewing. There is also a new abbey style brewery opening in Coeur d'alene, Idaho soon which is on the way to Sandpoint. Cheers y'all.
Big Sky Bayern Kettlehouse Draught Works Bitter Root Blacksmith Flathead Lake Tamarack All of these either brew within an hour or have a taproom in Missoula. I'm sure I missed one, too. Lots of good breweries here, just perhaps lacking a great one.
Olde Bluehair just hit town, too, and those are great beers. I'm just saying we lack a Founders or Cigar City where most of the beers are near or at the top of their respective styles. Still, it's hard to complain.
Hehe, yeah. I'm from Idaho and when I was making my last post I realized that I really need to get over to Missoula soon! Heck, I'm only in Moscow. I think some Lost Trail or Lookout might be in store for my spring break.
I agree with the Olde Bluehair. Marvelous brew. I think Big Sky is pretty darned solid with their regulars and at decent prices here so I won't complain either.
