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Exploring Excellence: The Top 10 Highest-Rated American Lager Beers in the Beer Hall of Fame
A Refreshing Pint of American Lager Beer
American Lager is a diverse category that includes six distinct styles, each noted for their different features.
American Pale Lager is known for its light body and pale color, accompanied by a mild taste. This type generally displays low bitterness, offering a clean and crisp finish. The malt aspect is often understated, presenting a hint of sweetness, while the hop essence ranges from minimal to moderate. The American Pilsner is sometimes grouped under American Pale Lager, though it is recognized separately in certain classifications.
American Light Lager appears even lighter in color and body compared to American Pale Lager. It is exceptionally refreshing and smooth to drink, characterized by very low bitterness, a high degree of carbonation, and typically fewer calories and less alcohol content.
American Adjunct Lager is crafted with the addition of rice or corn as well as barley malt, which imparts a lighter body and flavor profile to the beverage. Typically, it appears very pale, has a light body, and provides a subtle flavor, with minimal to no hop bitterness.
American Premium Lager presents a body that is slightly richer and a flavor that is more pronounced than the usual American Pale Lagers. These lagers are typified by their enhanced malt character, golden hue, and a clean, crisp finish that is complemented by moderate carbonation.
American Malt Liquor is distinguished by its higher alcohol content, usually between 6% and 9% ABV, compared to other American lagers. Characteristically sweeter and more robust, it features a prominent malt taste and higher gravity.
American Ice Lager undergoes a unique brewing process similar to other lagers but includes a stage of partial freezing to extract water and elevate the alcohol level. This variety is typically light-bodied, has a crisp finish, and possesses a slightly higher alcohol percentage than regular lagers.
These interpretations showcase the range of American Lagers, Adjusted to cater varied palates and strengths, from delicate to hearty brews, and their different alcohol content.
Here is a summary of ten distinguished American Lagers from craft breweries that have either received gold medals or higher, or have been rated over 90 points in a minimum of five prominent beer contests. Also included are the contests where they were awarded, the medals they received, insights about each brewery, and quick tasting notes.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Boston Beer Company
Competitions & Awards: Great American Beer Festival (GABF): Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 90 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points
Samuel Adams Boston Lager is the premier offering from the Boston Beer Company, established by Jim Koch in 1984. This beer was instrumental in the resurgence of American craft beers. It presents a deep amber hue topped with a rich, frothy head, emitting scents of caramel malt, floral hops, and a slight fruity note. The taste offers a harmony of malty sweetness and subtle bitterness, culminating in a fresh, clean finish.
Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn Brewery
Recognitions: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.
Established in New York in 1988, Brooklyn Brewery quickly became a key player in the craft beer landscape. Brooklyn Lager is an amber lager known for its robust taste that melds traditional European and American brewing methods. It is marked by aromas of caramel and bready malts. The flavor is predominantly malty with a slight sweetness, offset by mild hop bitterness.
Sierra Nevada Summerfest, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points.
Founded in 1980 in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has been a pioneer in the craft brewing industry. Their seasonal lager, Summerfest, is celebrated for its crisp and refreshing nature, featuring a light golden hue, floral and spicy hop aromas, a well-balanced malt sweetness, and a mild hoppy bitterness.
Narragansett Lager, Narragansett Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points
Founded in 1890 in Rhode Island, Narragansett Brewery saw a resurgence in the 2000s. Its renowned classic lager, popular in the Northeast, is distinguished by its pale golden color and frothy white head. It emits scents of grain, bread, and hints of corn, while the taste is characterized by its crispness, subtle sweetness, and a cleanly refreshing finish.
Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points
Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, positioned in Virginia, is celebrated for its Vienna Lager, an amber-hued beer characterized by aromas of toasted malt, caramel, and a hint of nuttiness. Its flavor profile is smooth and malty with a balanced hop bitterness, culminating in a clean finish.
Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points.
Since 1909, Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas has been producing beers. Shiner Bock, although technically a bock beer, has a light and drinkable quality similar to lagers. It features a dark amber color with notes of caramel and toasted malt. The beer’s flavor is smooth, slightly sweet, and has a balanced bitterness, enhancing its drinkability.
Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Oskar Blues Brewery
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points.
The innovator from Colorado, Oskar Blues Brewery, led the charge in the craft beer in cans movement. Their Mama’s Little Yella Pils offers an authentic take on the traditional Czech-style Pilsner, infused with a unique craft twist.
This beer presents a golden hue, characterized by its crisp and pristine flavor profile. A subtle sweetness from the malts is perfectly countered by a distinct bitterness, providing a smooth, invigorating, and thoroughly enjoyable drinking experience.
Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 93 Points, BeerAdvocate: 92 Points
Located in California, the Firestone Walker Brewing Company is renowned for its numerous accolades in the U.S. brewing scene. Their Pivo Pils offers a unique, hop-infused twist on the classic German Pilsner. It presents a pale straw appearance with a bright white head, exuding aromas of floral hops, lemon, and subtle spices. The taste is notably crisp and invigorating, featuring a harmonious bitter edge and concluding with a clean, dry finish.
Also, explore the Firestone Walker Lager, another celebrated lager from the brewery.
Jack’s Abby House Lager, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points
Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, Jack’s Abby is renowned for its expertise in lager production. Their signature House Lager is a traditional Helles-style lager that has garnered significant praise. It boasts a golden color, a malty scent complemented by subtle floral hops. The taste offers a harmonious blend of mild sweetness and a clean, sharp finish.
Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Great Lakes Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.
Great Lakes Brewing Company, established in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio, is renowned for its dedication to quality and environmental sustainability. Dortmunder Gold is a distinguished Dortmunder-style lager recognized with multiple awards.
Other notable craft lagers that did not make it to the top ten include Victory Prima Pils from Victory Brewing Company, and Sixpoint The Crisp from Sixpoint Brewery.
Anchor Steam, operated by Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco, stands as one of the pioneering American craft breweries. Their flagship Steam Beer, an innovative cross between ale and lager styles, has been in production since 1896 and epitomizes the original California Common-style beer. Despite its historical significance, it missed an entry into the Beer Hall of Fame after Sapporo USA closed it in August 2023. Nevertheless, Hamdi Ulukaya acquired the company in June 2024 with intentions to resume its beer production.
These ten American Lager beers have earned widespread acclaim by consistently gaining recognition at major beer competitions. They cover a variety of lager styles, each providing a distinctive and superior taste experience, while maintaining the integrity of American craft brewing.
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Teeling’s Latest Release: A Fusion of Irish Whiskey and Swedish Expertise
Teeling Whiskey continues to intrigue Irish Whiskey aficionados with their latest release from the ‘Wonders of Wood’ series by using casks from unconventional locations.
Teeling Wonders of Wood Third Edition: Virgin Swedish Oak
While Sweden might not be top of mind for Irish Whiskey cask maturation, Teeling’s Master Blender, Alex Chasko, embraces the unexpected. “Alex draws inspiration from a variety of sources,” shared Brand Ambassador Rob Caldwell during a special tasting event at Dead Rabbit in New York City. “A Swedish manager at our visitor center sparked the idea. Curious if Sweden produced casks, they did some research, found a supplier and had her initiate contact in Swedish to inquire about purchasing.”
This curiosity led to the creation of the ‘Third Edition Virgin Swedish Oak’, following the ‘Virgin Chinkapin Oak’ and ‘Virgin Portuguese Oak’ releases. This line features Teeling’s Single Pot Still whiskey, crafted from an equal mix of malted and unmalted barley, using both white wine and distillers yeast for fermentation, followed by triple distillation. These whiskeys are then aged in carefully selected casks from across the globe.
“I’m getting a lot of delicate Scandinavian spices,” says Caldwell while tasting. “Wormwood, clove and cinnamon. When we first tasted it I thought maybe I was just supporting my own stereotypes of what I thought I should be getting. But when we tasted it in Sweden the people there were saying the same thing. It opens up the question, are those flavors present in the geography and in their woods? And then does that then influence their cuisine? Or is it vice versa?”
Teeling Wonders of Wood Third Edition: Virgin Swedish Oak
The series has steered Teeling towards trying out many different woods in search of an edge to provide new flavors for fans of their Whiskey. “You can go with Chestnut and all these other unique interesting woods, but even subcategories of oak provide such a diversity of flavor,” says Caldwell. “People are starting to look for that. A little less traditional and a little less brand loyal and a little more open.” And as for some Irish casks? “We didn’t get the flavor profile from Irish oak we were hoping for,” says Caldwell. “Which is unfortunate being that we’re an Irish Whiskey.”
The Irish oak trees will still benefit from the series however. Even though the casks for this release are from Sweden, every entry in the Wonders of Wood series benefits local forests. Teeling has teamed up with the Tree Council of Ireland to replant an acre of native Irish trees across the country. “We know it’s not as simple as take a tree, put it in the ground and taking a photo,” says Caldwell. “Working with professionals gives us the real chance to reforest an area.”
Brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling established their whiskey brand in 2012, with their lineage tracing back to an old Dublin distillery from 1782. By 2015, they inaugurated the first new distillery in Dublin in over a century.
Discussing future plans for the Wonders of Wood series, the loose Irish Whiskey regulations allow for creativity. Caldwell explains, “Scotland wrote the book, creating strict rules for what qualifies as Single Malt Scotch. Ireland followed, albeit loosely, stating merely that it must be aged in wood. This broad directive offers significant freedom, and we believe we are just beginning to explore the possibilities of Irish Whiskey.”
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Our community aims to connect individuals through open, thoughtful dialogue. We encourage our readers to share their opinions and exchange ideas and information in a respectful environment.
In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.
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Tracing the Roots: How the Wine Cooler Craze Began on the California Coast
Believe it or not, wine coolers were immensely popular before becoming a common reference in underage drinking jokes. While wine-based drinks like sangria have a longstanding history, the beverage known as “wine coolers” first became commercialized in 1981, sparking significant interest in the alcohol market during the 1980s.
The concept of the wine cooler originated with Michael Crete, a beer and wine salesman from Northern California. He popularized a blend of tropical fruit juice, white wine, and club soda at beach parties in Santa Cruz. Realizing the potential for broader distribution, Crete partnered with Stuart Bewley, a high school friend and business associate, to launch California Cooler. Their marketing embodied the quintessential sunny, Californian surfer vibe, featuring ads with lively beach parties. The brand positioned itself as a fun, fruity beer alternative, with an alcohol level that appealed predominantly to a female audience.
This trend, initiated by California Cooler, proved beneficial for California, a state that produces nearly 90% of all American wine. During the early 1980s, the American wine industry was facing stiff competition from international imports, leading to a surplus of domestic wine. Bewley explained to Vice that there was a “lake of wine in California” at the time. Wine coolers provided a crucial outlet for excess wine, which helped to sustain the local wine industry.
Read more: 15 Popular Hard Seltzer Brands, Ranked Worst To Best
At the peak of its popularity, California Cooler was selling about 12.5 million cases annually. In 1985, the founders, Crete and Bewley, sold their company to the alcohol corporation Brown–Forman, known for distributing Jack Daniel’s among other brands, for $55 million. Following the launch of California Cooler, major spirits companies like E & J Gallo Winery and Seagram’s introduced their own versions of wine coolers, leading to a significant reduction in market share for California Cooler.
Within a few years, the demand for wine coolers had plummeted so drastically that the trend seemed to disappear overnight. A 1992 study from Cornell University’s Department of Agricultural Economics highlighted a 17% decrease in wine cooler sales in 1989 alone. The market took another hit in 1991 when a federal excise tax increase made wine five times more expensive to use in coolers, prompting many companies to switch to malt liquor alternatives.
By that time, wine coolers had garnered a negative reputation as a drink for underage consumers due to their sweet taste, low alcohol content, and eye-catching packaging. Approximately 35% of wine coolers in the U.S. in 1991 were consumed by teenagers, according to a report by Education Week. As the perception of wine coolers turned negative among legal-aged drinkers, their preferences shifted to other types of alcoholic beverages.
While coolers fell out of favor years ago, the modern trend towards canned, ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages indicates a resurgence in similar products. Although California Coolers has ceased operations, its competitor, Bartles & Jaymes, is making a comeback in the market with a new collection of canned wine coolers featuring more upscale flavors. In 2019, parent company Gallo expressed to Esquire their excitement to re-introduce Bartles & Jaymes to nostalgically inclined consumers from the 80s and 90s, while also aiming to appeal to the tastes of modern consumers.
They might be one of the O.G.s, but the market is once again expanding, creating fierce competition. We recently ranked our favorite wine coolers available today, and upscale, contemporary brands with a European flair, like Ramona and Lolea, came out on top. Most of these brands aren’t marketing themselves as wine coolers anymore, preferring terms like “spritzer” or simply “sangria.” But the classic combination of wine, fruit juice, and carbonation remains the same.
Though malt-based beverages, like White Claw and Smirnoff Ice, still lead the RTD pack in popularity, the canned wine sector is growing exponentially. A 2020 trend forecast by Grand View Research predicted that, between 2021 and 2028, the global canned wine market would grow at a compound annual rate of 13.2% and be valued at $571.8 million by 2028. Whether because of nostalgia, the pandemic, or their busy lives, it seems consumers once again want their wine on the go.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Shake Up Your Friday Night: 10 Easy 3-Ingredient Cocktails
As Friday evening approaches, signaling the end of the workweek, the thought of a refreshing cocktail is especially enticing. However, after a tiresome day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated drink requiring a myriad of ingredients or expert mixology skills.
Whether your taste leans towards the citrus delight of a Hugo spritz, the rich spices of a Manhattan, or a sophisticated whisky and clementine sour, we have compiled 10 cocktail recipes that are delicious, simple, and quick—requiring only three ingredients apart from ice and an optional garnish, which you might already have at home.
No special equipment is needed either; a standard shaker or even a jug with a long spoon will suffice. So, dust off that neglected bottle of gin or the leftover wine and mix, shake, or stir your way into a memorable Friday evening.
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Hyderabad Police Bust “Whiskey Ice Cream” Scheme, Arrest Two
Officials seized around 11.50 kilograms of whiskey ice cream from the store
Hyderabad Excise Department today seized an ice cream parlour for selling whiskey-laced ice cream and arrested two persons involved in the racket.
During the raid, the officials identified that the store in the Jubilee Hills area was mixing 100 ml of whiskey in 60 grams of ice cream and selling it at high prices.
They seized around 11.50 kilograms of whiskey ice cream from the store.
The owners of the ice cream parlour, Dayakar Reddy and Sobhan, were arrested in the case.
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Warning Issued: The Dangers of Counterfeit Vodka on the Market
The public are being warned about fake bottles of Glen’s Vodka which have been found to contain an industrial solvent that can cause death in severe cases.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said some 35cl counterfeit bottles have been found to contain isopropyl alcohol, which is not intended for human consumption.
The fake vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka, the FSA warned.
It comes a day after Food Standards Scotland (FSS) warned that fake Glen’s Vodka had been found in local convenience stores in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
In a statement, the FSA, which covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, announced it has been informed about the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit vodka marketed under the Glen’s Vodka brand.
“The tested products were discovered to contain isopropyl alcohol, which makes them unsafe. Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and should not be consumed by humans,” the agency reported.
Consuming this solvent can lead to alcohol poisoning and can be fatal in severe cases, the FSA warned.
They advise consumers to verify the presence of a laser etched lot code located between the rear label and the base of the bottle.
The FSA stated that isopropyl carries “a strong odour and it may be possible to detect contaminated products by smell alone”.
“If the vodka emits a strong smell, do not consume it. Instead, securely store it and notify your local authority for further instructions and guidance,” the agency advised.
Following the FSS’s alert issued in Scotland on Tuesday, a representative for the Loch Lomond Group, which owns Glen’s Vodka, remarked: “Our focus is the health and safety of the public, which includes our many thousands of loyal Glen’s customers.
“We are actively supporting the outstanding work of Food Standards Scotland and other authorities to quickly resolve this issue.”
The Beer Hall of Fame: Top 10 Highest-Rated American Lagers to Try
A Refreshing Pint of American Lager Beer
American Lager is a broad category of beer that encompasses six different styles, each with unique characteristics.
American Pale Lager is a light-bodied, pale-colored beer with a mild flavor. It is often low in bitterness and has a clean, crisp finish. The malt character is typically subtle, with a slightly sweet taste, while the hop flavor ranges from minimal to moderate. American Pilsner is considered a sub-category of American Pale Lager, though in some classifications, it stands as its own category.
American Light Lager is even lighter in color and body than its pale counterpart. It is highly refreshing and easy to drink. This type of lager features very low bitterness, high carbonation, and often fewer calories and lower alcohol content.
American Adjunct Lager incorporates rice or corn with barley malt, creating a lighter body and flavor. This beer is usually very pale, has a light body, and offers mild flavors with minimal to no bitterness from hops.
American Premium Lager provides a body and flavor that are slightly richer than those of ordinary American Pale Lagers. These lagers feature a more noticeable malt flavor, a golden hue, and a clean, crisp end with moderate levels of carbonation.
American Malt Liquor features an alcohol by volume (ABV) content higher than other American lagers, generally from 6% to 9%. Characteristically, it is sweeter, more full-bodied, and displays a prominent malt flavor with increased gravity.
American Ice Lager is produced in a manner similar to other lagers but includes a step where part of the liquid is frozen, removing some water and thus elevating the alcohol level. Typically, it maintains a light body, has a crisp conclusion, and possesses a slightly greater alcohol content compared to traditional lagers.
These styles showcase the variety found in American Lagers, appealing to an assortment of palates, ranging from light to rich, each with different alcohol by volume (ABV) levels.
Here are summaries of ten leading American Lagers from craft breweries which have earned significant recognition, including gold or higher awards, or scoring over 90 points in no fewer than five prestigious beer contests. Each summary presents the contests in which these lagers excelled, their awards, some information about the brewery, and a concise tasting note.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager, from Boston Beer Company
Competitions & Awards: Great American Beer Festival (GABF): Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 90 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points
Samuel Adams Boston Lager is the signature brew of the Boston Beer Company, which Jim Koch initiated in 1984. This beverage has been critical in the American craft beer movement. It showcases a rich amber hue topped with a dense, creamy head, presenting scents of caramel malt, floral hops, and slight fruity hints. The taste offers a harmonious blend of malty sweetness complemented by a subtle bitter touch, culminating in a smooth, refreshing finish.
Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn Brewery
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.
Established in 1988 in New York, Brooklyn Brewery has solidified its place within the craft beer community. Brooklyn Lager is an amber lager that merges top European and American brewing practices. It exudes aromas of caramel and bready malt. The flavor is predominantly malty with a mild sweetness, balanced by a subtle hop bitterness.
Anchor Steam Beer, Anchor Brewing Company
Accolades: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 90 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points
Located in San Francisco, Anchor Brewing Company stands as one of the pioneering breweries in the American craft beer movement. Their renowned Steam Beer, crafted since 1896, represents the quintessence of the California Common beer style. It features a copper hue with aromas of toasted malt and caramel, complemented by a rich malt sweetness and a pronounced hop bitterness with herbal notes.
Sierra Nevada Summerfest, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points, BeerAdvocate: 90 Points.
Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, California is a trailblazer in the craft brewery scene. Summerfest, their seasonal lager, offers a refreshing and balanced flavor experience. It features a light, crisp, and golden appearance, complemented by floral and spicy hop aromas. The beer provides a balanced malt sweetness touched by a subtle hop bitterness.
Narragansett Lager, Narragansett Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points
Narragansett Brewery, established in 1890 in Rhode Island, saw its resurgence during the 2000s. Its renowned classic lager enjoys a broad fan base across the Northeast, characterized by a pale golden color and a rich, frothy top. Its aroma is a blend of grains, bread, and hints of corn, whereas its taste offers a crisp and smooth experience with slight sweetness, ending in a refreshing finish.
Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points
Originating from Virginia, the Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company is famously recognized for its Vienna Lager, a beer that has received numerous accolades and epitomizes their brewing excellence. It presents an amber hue alongside aromas of toasted malt, caramel, and subtle nuttiness. Its flavor profile is predominantly malty and smooth with a harmonious balance of hop bitterness, culminating in a clean and satisfying finish.
Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery
Accolades include GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points.
Spoetzl Brewery, situated in Shiner, Texas, and operational since 1909. Despite being categorized as a bock, Shiner Bock boasts qualities similar to lagers, characterized by its light and palatable nature. It presents a dark amber hue with scents of caramel and toasted malt. The flavor profile is predominantly smooth, subtly sweet, and exhibited a well-rounded bitterness, contributing to its overall easy drinking experience.
Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Oskar Blues Brewery
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points, BeerAdvocate: 91 Points.
Oskar Blues Brewery, located in Colorado, initiated the innovation of canning craft beers. Their Mama’s Little Yella Pils delivers the classic taste of a Czech-style Pilsner, enhanced by a unique craft approach.
This beer showcases a golden hue paired with a crisp and clean palate. Its slight malt sweetness is perfectly countered by a dash of refreshing bitterness, ensuring it remains both quaffable and revitalizing.
Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, RateBeer Best: 93 Points, BeerAdvocate: 92 Points
Firestone Walker Brewing Company, based in California, is recognized as one of the most celebrated breweries in the United States. Their Pivo Pils offers a hoppy twist on the classic German Pilsner style, characterized by its pale straw appearance and prominent white head. It exudes aromatic notes of floral hops, lemon, and a touch of spice while delivering a crisp and invigorating flavor with balanced bitterness and a clean, dry finish.
For further exploration, consider the Firestone Walker Lager, another prestigious lager beer.
Jack’s Abby House Lager, from Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 91 Points
Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, Jack’s Abby is renowned for its expertly crafted lagers. Their standout, the House Lager, is brewed in the traditional Helles style, boasting a radiant golden hue, enriched with a malty scent complemented by a subtle floral hop backdrop. The taste profile is harmoniously balanced—featuring a gentle sweetness paired with a crisp and refreshing finish.
Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Great Lakes Brewing Company
Competitions & Awards: GABF: Gold, World Beer Cup: Gold, European Beer Star: Gold, International Beer Challenge: Gold, RateBeer Best: 92 Points.
Great Lakes Brewing Company, established in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio, prides itself on its dedication to quality and sustainable practices. Its Dortmunder Gold, a Dortmunder-style lager, has garnered multiple accolades.
Other notable craft lagers that didn’t make the top ten include Victory Prima Pils from Victory Brewing Company and Sixpoint The Crisp from Sixpoint Brewery.
Anchor Steam, from Anchor Brewing Company located in San Francisco, stands as one of the pioneering craft breweries in America. Brewing since 1896, their Steam Beer, a distinctive blend of ale and lager, is recognized as the original beer of the California Common style. Despite its historical significance, it was omitted from the Beer Hall of Fame list when its parent company, Sapporo USA, ceased its operations in August 2023. Nevertheless, in June 2024, Hamdi Ulukaya acquired the company and intends to resume production.
These ten American Lager beers have demonstrated their excellence through consistent recognition at key beer competitions, embodying a variety of lager styles. Each presents a unique and superior drinking experience, maintaining the tradition of American craft brewing craftsmanship.
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How Millennials and Emerging Markets are Shaping the Future of Online Wine Sales
Young woman is shopping online using her credit card and laptop in a rainy day
Although 2023 saw a decline in online wine sales following unprecedented growth during the pandemic, recent sales numbers suggest this shift is more of a market correction rather than a sign of long-term decline.
According to industry experts, the future of wine ecommerce lies in brands’ ability to understand and adapt to the evolving behaviors and preferences of consumers, especially in the context of varied market dynamics across regions.
“Technology and ecommerce offer a huge number of benefits in terms of the wine purchasing experience,” Guy Wolfe, head of ecommerce insights at beverage industry research firm IWSR, tells Forbes. “Consumers can shop a much wider range of products on the near-limitless ‘digital shelf,’ while having access to greater information about the product or brand and being able to compare prices, reviews by other purchasers and so on.”
Wolfe highlights that even with a recent dip, global online wine sales in 2023 continued to be nearly 40% above the levels seen before the pandemic, totaling around $11 billion.
“The relatively weaker recent figures for wine primarily relate to its established presence in the online market—about 7% of wine sales occur online, in contrast to just 4% for spirits and 2% for beer,” Wolfe observes.
This established market presence, although advantageous during the pandemic, has also led to wine ecommerce experiencing more significant challenges as other categories of alcohol start to close the gap.
In order to recapture market share in the online alcohol domain, Wolfe advises wine brands to concentrate on a deep understanding of their customers and to tailor their digital strategies effectively.
“Understanding the consumer base, their online preferences, and notably, how these preferences shift across different e-commerce channels and platforms is fundamental,” he suggests.
Creating digital content that caters to specific consumer demands allows brands to enhance their influence and worth in a competitive digital marketplace.
Millennials in particular are key to the growth of online wine sales in new markets. Wolfe points out that this demographic is highly active in online shopping, usually conducting thorough research before completing a purchase.
“Producing high-quality digital content tailored for various platforms is crucial in drawing millennials to a brand, and it tends to yield a significant return on investment,” he comments.
This generation’s shopping preferences are shaped by their alignment with brand values, emphasizing the importance for wine brands to communicate their identity clearly and consistently across digital platforms.
The analysis highlights distinct variances in online wine-buying habits across different regions, suggesting the need for market-specific strategies.
In established markets like Australia and the United Kingdom, major ecommerce websites such as supermarkets and specialty stores, which primarily serve an older demographic, predominantly facilitate online wine purchases.
In contrast, emerging markets show a synergy between growing wine consumption and ecommerce, characterized by a younger, ambitious consumer demographic that frequently shops online using mobile apps and social media platforms.
“In emerging markets, the wine market has developed in tandem with the ecommerce channel and is being driven by younger demographic groups often part of a rising middle class,” Wolfe says.
Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed, and brands must develop distinct strategies for different consumer groups and markets.
The rise of rapid delivery services, in particular, has also transformed consumer expectations, particularly among younger generations. In markets where quick commerce platforms are prevalent, such as Brazil, rapid delivery is a key driver of ecommerce growth.
However, the logistics of delivering wine quickly present challenges due to the lower value-to-weight ratio compared to other alcohol categories like spirits, and delivery costs can quickly add up.
“It tends to be less of an issue in regions with relatively low labor costs, such as Latin America, hence greater importance of quick commerce here,” Wolfe explains. Rather, he continues, this challenge is compounded in markets with higher labor costs, such as the United States, where concerns over alcohol access by minors have also impeded the development of rapid delivery services.
“Now IWSR consumer research indicates that Millennials and legal-aged Gen Z consumers in particular overwhelmingly expect (and are prepared to pay for) the added convenience of rapid delivery—including for wine,” he says.
To thrive in the evolving ecommerce landscape, wine brands must leverage technology to enhance the online experience. Wolfe emphasizes the importance of creating a seamless and consistent consumer experience across all touchpoints, from digital platforms to in-person interactions such as winery tasting rooms.
“If brand owners are not following up that experience with tailored digital marketing, an online club/subscription service, a strong social media presence, etc.,” Wolfe says, “then they are without doubt missing out on a significant opportunity to grow brand loyalty and ultimately sales.”
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12 Zodiac-Inspired Cocktails for September: Find Your Perfect Sweet and Spicy Mix
September is that peculiar time of year when one might need a light jacket to ward off the cool air or shorts for the surprisingly warm days. This change from summer to autumn often influences our beverage choices as well. If summer was all about enjoying spritzes at your preferred rooftop venue, the beginning of fall introduces equally thrilling and enjoyable cocktails.
“The drinks for September are certainly getting richer, featuring warmer tones and more spicy components,” notes Wesley Dyer, the bar manager at the Stone Bar at Antigua’s The Inn at English Harbour.
From robust red wines to cocktails that blend sweetness with spiciness, to options for enjoying Beyoncé’s new whisky brand, there is a variety of drinks to suit different tastes and personalities. Many of these cocktails are easy to make at home with just a few ingredients, or you can opt to order one when you’re out socializing with friends.
“I’m an Aquarius, and we are known for our uniqueness and intense passion for our beliefs. The pisco sour parallels that—it’s a drink with a distinct taste and texture unlike any other,” states Djibril Webb, the executive chef at Chicago’s Mordecai, discussing this brandy-based cocktail.
“It’s tasty, but boozy, and is easy on the eyes,” Rodrigo Pulido, the bar manager at elNico, describes the Cosmopolitan. “Not that Pisces necessarily share the same qualities, but it’s the perfect drink to order when you want to ease into a night of talking.”
Aries, known for their energy and impulsiveness, would appreciate a Bee Sting, according to Dyer. This cocktail blends honey simple syrup, lemon, jalapeno, and gin or tequila into a concoction that’s sweet with a spicy kick.
For the grounded Taurus, Webb recommends a classic gin and tonic. “Its simplicity leaves no room for surprise and the botanicals are a subtle nod to its earth family.”
While martinis are a common choice, consider trying one garnished with tomolives, the pickled green tomatoes that resemble olives. They add a perfect salty finish to your gin or vodka martini.
It’s always summer for the water-loving Cancer. Hold on to those last few days of the warmer months with a Tinto de Verano. The Spanish drink, which translates to summer red wine, is equal parts wine and a lemon-lime soda. Simple and refreshing.
Leos love a bit of flair, so opt for a Lambrusco Aperol spritz. The fun, fizzy red wine makes for the perfect fall upgrade to the go-to summer drink.
The ultimate Virgo debuts her spirit line this month, so it’s only right to try a cocktail using Beyoncé’s SirDavis whisky. The Honey Bee (whisky, lemon juice, and honey syrup) is sure to be your new post-work cocktail.
“For a Libra, white negronis are a bit more balanced than their red counterparts,” says Pulido. The spin on the classic cocktail has a lighter flavor and is a bit more floral thanks to the substitution of gin and Lillet Blanc, a fortified French wine.
The espresso martini continues to be a divisive cocktail, yet Dyer mentions that the passionate Scorpio who leans towards sophistication might enjoy this robust and boozy caffeinated mix.
For his fellow energetic and adventurous Sagittarians, Dyer suggests the Compass; a blend of two ounces of rum, Sorrel simple syrup, bitters, and a dash of ginger zest.
Just like the detail-oriented Virgo, Capricorns are eager to try Queen Bey’s whisky. However, practical Capricorn, you typically prefer simplicity. Opt to sip the whisky neat, allowing yourself to savor its pure and unaltered flavors.
Celebrating BeyDay in Style: 4 SirDavis Whisky Cocktails to Toast Beyoncé’s Birthday
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Cheers to Beyoncé! SirDavis American Rye Whisky became available online and in select stores on Wednesday (Sept. 4), coinciding with Queen Bey’s 43rd birthday.
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The release marks a new chapter for the multi-platinum selling singer who in the last two years, gave us Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, embarked on a world tour with merch to match, debuted the Renaissance tour film and introduced the world to Cécred— all before revealing her latest venture.
In classic Beyoncé form, the announcement of SirDavis Whisky surprised most fans, but the Houston native may have dropped an Easter egg on the Cowboy Carter track “II Hands to Heaven” where she sings: “Bottle in my hand, the whiskey up high.”
To commemorate Beyoncé’s birthday, I had the opportunity to partake in an early sampling of SirDavis Whisky and prepared four of their signature cocktails (which are both simple to make and visually appealing).
Read on for more about SirDavis and how to host a cocktail hour inspired by Beyoncé.
The origins of SirDavis Whisky trace back to Beyoncé’s paternal great-grandfather, Davis Hogue. According to online records, Hogue was born in Alabama around 1871 and was recorded as having around six children, one of whom was Beyoncé’s paternal grandmother, Lou Helen Knowles. U.S. Census records reveal that Hodge was not only a farmer but also dabbled in moonshining, a fact Beyoncé shared recently.
“Discovering my great-grandfather’s moonshine background made my personal affinity for whisky seem predestined,” she stated. “SirDavis is my tribute to him, creating a new legacy we both share.”
Though whisky has its American roots in Tennessee, it has a long and complicated history with Alabama. The state outlawed alcohol in the early 1900s, nearly a decade before federal prohibition laws went into place. For a century, whisky was illegal in Alabama making it even harder for Black distillers like Beyoncé’s grandfather to make it without risking arrest.
It took 100 years, but Alabama’s first legally distilled whisky was finally released in 2015. SirDavis Whisky, however, is headquartered in Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston, highlighting both her family’s Alabama and Texas ancestry in one bottle.
$89.99
Housed in a beautiful, ribbed glass bottle, SirDavis offers a nod to Texas in the form of a golden horse centered on the front. The recipe blends a “distinctive grain selection of 51 percent rye and a 49 percent malted barley” matured in sherry casks similar to the way Japanese and Scotch whiskies are made.
Although I’m far from a connoisseur, I’ve attended my share of tastings and can appreciate a nice, smooth rye whisky. Per the product description, SirDavis offers a “rich and buttery toffee flavor” which I can attest to, along with hints of honey, cinnamon and clove, a subtle but lingering taste of cherries with a dash of spice that dances on the palette.
See below for directions on how to make SirDavis cocktails.
Based on the packaging alone, SirDavis was made to stand out. The 88-proof whisky from Beyoncé and Moët Hennessy, mingles well with fruity cocktails, pairs perfectly with lemon and it’s smooth enough to enjoy by itself (I would recommend sipping slowly though, SirDavis packs a punch).
Following along with the recipes on the brand’s website, I made four cocktails including the Honey Bee, Hot Toddy, Mint Julep and The Houston.
To complete the vintage vibe of the bottle, I used these ribbed cocktail glasses and glass coffee mugs from Amazon and a couple of cocktail glasses from my own collection. The cocktail ingredients are available at just about any grocery store, but I purchased everything on Amazon Fresh including vermouth, blackberries, honey, lemon juice, cocktail sticks and garnish. The Hot Toddy needs just a handful of ingredients: SirDavis Whisky, hot water, lemon juice, honey and Angostura aromatic bitters.
The Houston is crafted from two ounces of whisky, one ounce of sweet vermouth, a quarter ounce of honey syrup, and two dashes of Angostura bitters. The Mint Julep is a blend of pressed blackberries, fresh mint leaves, and honey syrup, served over a generous amount of crushed ice.
Out of the four, the Honey Bee wins my top spot, not just for its simplicity and minimal ingredients. The sharpness of the lemon flawlessly offsets the whisky, enhancing rather than dominating the drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz. SirDavis American Whisky
.75 oz. Lemon Juice
.5 oz. Honey Syrup
Garnish: Honeycomb
Honey syrup, a crucial component in various SirDavis cocktails, is simple to prepare. Combine two parts honey with one part water in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix until the honey dissolves, allow it to cool, then store it in a sealed container.
To create your Honey Bee cocktail, first pour the liquid elements into a cocktail shaker, then add ice. Shake well and strain into a glass, finishing with a honeycomb or lemon wedge garnish as desired.
For more information on where to purchase SirDavis Whisky, continue reading.
SirDavis Whisky can now be found at shops including ReserveBar, Total Wine & More, and Caskers, along with GoPuff, BevMo!, Spec’s, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Available regions include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Washington D.C., as well as select locations in London, Paris, and Tokyo. More markets are expected to be introduced soon.
Are you ready to jet off soon? Look for SirDavis at DFS duty-free shops in various airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. While at JFK and LAX, travelers can partake in exclusive SirDavis tastings available within the DFS stores.
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