Roaring Table (2022)

I have a can of Dovetail to compare with the RT, but as said before, I like it on draft better than from the can.

And Goldfinger isn't so readily available in northeast Illinois -- never seen it this far north.

As much as I like Pilsner (it's usually my second draft at the RT taphouse), I need a smooth malt fix every now and again. Will RT fit the bill? I have 6 more cans to make my assessment.

 

Thanks, I'll remember that if I'm ever down that way -- kind of out of my radius.

Wonder why they deliver to Binny's HP and Beer Bazaar, but not Binny's Gurnee.

I'll definitely check them out. Is that move still a plan for BB? It's been a long time in the works.

Any idea about Oak Trail Spirits in Mundelein? Pretty sure the owner is brothers with the BB owner (not that it means they manage the same, but you never know). Might have to ring them up.

 

Tried the RT Helles alongside the Dovetail Helles this afternoon, but I think the RT had an advantage because the Dovetail wasn't as fresh and seems to have been a last-run canning. Yeah, still hazy.

That said, I could really taste similarities in malt and hop character, so drinking these in tandem, on tap, would probably be an exercise in futility to pick a favorite. I know, awful trouble to have.

 

@GreatGazoo -- did the Westfalia have a light mineral flavor to it? Always something I look for in a Dortmunder -- sort of separates it from a Pils.

 

Yeah, it's been one of those busy summers for me and my usual beer-night wingman. Soon.

I need to go all beer geek and chat up the Vienna!

 

I may have to give it a try, but I was none too impressed with their Maibock... which I'm still seeing on shelves.

Funny, though -- looking at my review of their German Pils I thought it was closer to a Helles than Pils, whatever that might say for the Helles.

 

Hope I get to try it.

Believe it or not, the best Dortmunder I've ever had was one of the one-off specialty beers Shiner made a few years ago. It was spot-on to style -- so I have high hopes for the Westfalia.

 

FWIW -- Beer Bazaar is trying to open their new location this week and yes, they carry Goldfinger.

Oak Trail doesn't carry it, but is trying to get it in-house.

 

FWIW -- I just tried RT Helles side-by with Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold.

The H-P was breadier in its malt character; smoother and softer. The RT was more crackery in its malt character and had more herbal hop bitterness throughout and in the finish -- not Pils level hoppiness, but more than the H-P.

My bottom line: I'd grab the H-P as a to-style Helles any day, but I sure wouldn't snub the RT -- it's well-made and has delicious elegant character for a light lager.

 

Haven't seen the P3 Helles anywhere in the last couple weeks -- is it in the current rotation?

FWIW -- my Binny's still has their Maibock on the shelf. Probably not a good sign.

Had another RT Helles alongside Art History's version -- not being overly fan-boy and seriously tasting each beer's qualities -- RT wins. The AH has too much vegetal DMS going on for me. Surprised no one else has mentioned it in reviews.

 

I can't recall if I ever saw it at the local Binny's, but it hasn't been there in acouple weeks.

PW? (and I know it will be obvious when I hear it )

I'm awaiting Beer Bazaar to reopen because they carry it. I didn't check their progress this week because of too much going on. Soon, I hope.

What are the prices like on Goldfinger's beers?

 

Of course.

Good to know, I'll keep that in mind.