California Lagers

Just tried Black to Reality from Moonlight. Its nice but i don't know that it adds anything that I couldn't get from D&T or Reality Czech. I'll probably revisit it to give it another chance but right now it seems like a solution searching for a problem

 

Ya, it definitely lacks that. Its very smooth and toasty. Like a rich, toasted, pilsner. Nothing wrong with it at all just doesn't meet a want I have/had

 

Agreed. Prefer either of the base beers on their own.

 

Such a perfect beer.

 

I picked up a four pack of Death & Taxes from the local WFs this weekend. I think we are now getting some random Moonlight drops which is very nice. Original Pattern is showing up too and I recently enjoyed their That Night in Vienna Vienna Lager.

 

What did Moonlight get be selling to Heineken? They still seem like a lil neighborhood brewery. I want their stuff in my local coolers down beee in OC!

 

This one was so good I had to post it over here in the California Lager thread as well.....

Standout beer from the last Slice release was actually "THE LAGER". Zac was known at Moonraker for making the occasional Lager, but was much more known for the Haze.

"Mucho Relaxo" Mexican Style Lager. 90 degree day in Norcal....and this is simply great. Some subtle touches on the hops that bring it together. Flaked Maize, Lager Yeast. Just a hint of malt and some caramel comes through. One of the best Lagers I have had in the Sacramento area.

 

Really enjoying the new collab from Green Cheek & Other Half, It’s Just Different In Person. After 1 1/2 flights of Other Half hazy’s this Munich Dunkel is delicious. I’m glad I picked this one up. Still a newbie when it comes to lagers/pils.

 

Rando question, but is Reality Czech readily available in Fresno/Visalia? Looks like Moonlight is in several stores there based on their distro website, but I'm driving that way in a couple weeks (socal up to yosemite) and curious if its easy to grab a pack and go. Cheers!

 

I do not know as I am not in that area. As for the South Bay Area it shows up occasionally at Whole Foods locations but is not commonly seen. When you are in the state, why not find a way to order it directly from Moonlight?

 

you can have up to a case shipped anywhere in the state for $20

 

Technically, they sold to Lagunitas, who in turn sold to Heineken. The best I can tell is that they got a new taproom and a canning line. Everything else is pretty much the same little operation.

 

It should also be noted that Black To Reality is not a blend and therefore does not have "base beers."

 

In general, any store that carries Moonlight will have Reality Czech and Death & Taxes. Those are their flagship brews it seems. They've been releasing a lot more stuff into the wild lately but I am yet to encounter a Moonlight drop that doesn't include Reality Czech. I'd call the stores that are listed as carrying them

 

Also, they only sold 50% to Lagunitas (which I assume was then included in the sale to Heineken) so I don't believe it is wholly owned by Heineken. Although at the time the fella from Moonlight did mention that part of his motivation was that he was getting on in age and was looking for a way to ensure Moonlight would last after he was done. So I'd imagine a full sell out to Heineken would be the obvious final step, unless someone wanted to buy it back and operate it as an independent small brewery again

 

I have been on a mission to expand and improve my pilsner/lager palate and perusing this thread. Everyone kept mentioning this so I actually went to the brewery in Santa Rosa, and picked up a 4-pack. My mind is blown...this is absolutely phenomenal!

 

This one made me have a conversation with myself /by myself about how you can actually have a "dark" or "black" lager...I mean, what?!?! I had no idea! Ha!

Just a tasty, balanced, and quality dark lager! An almost creamy, and clean, dark roasted malty/dark chocolate bitterness on the finish. Yowza!

 

It's that classic Moonlight 1 - 2 punch.