Beer-articles 930

Tate Paulette adds bappir to a fermentation vessel while trying to replicate an ancient beer. Photo by Brian Zimerle.

While working on his dissertation about grain storage in Mesopotamia, Tate Paulette joined forces with the Great Lakes Brewing Co. in Cleveland and the University of Chicago’s Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures to recreate a Mesopotamian beer.

Positioned between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, the now called Iraq, northern Syria, and southeastern Turkey was the birthplace of the world’s first cities. Around 3400 to 3200 B.C., Mesopotamia introduced the earliest writing systems, and notably, a frequent subject was beer.

Historical beer from this region was crafted using malted barley, yet was devoid of hops. Paulette suggests the use of aromatics was likely. The exact nature of the beer from this time is uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a thick, porridge-like concoction to a more liquid, drinkable version. It’s theorized that more viscous beers might have been consumed with straws to strain out solid particles.

“In the Land of Ninkasi” tells the story of the world’s first beer culture.

As for the experimental brewing project, the team worked on a beer using no hops, replicating the brewing process as closely as possible and dubbing the beer, Enkibrew, named for Enkidu, a mythological character from The Epic of Gilgamesh. The team also made a version using modern equipment and a modern yeast source. It tasted somewhat like a Belgian saison.

For Paulette, the journey resulted in a book — In the Land of Ninkasi: A History of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia.

September 12, 2024

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by American Society for Microbiology

When diastatic strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer’s yeast, land in the wrong place, they can become a craft beer brewer’s nightmare. Diastatic yeasts are variant strains of yeasts that secrete glucoamylase, an enzyme that can break down dextrins into simple sugars, which can spoil fresh beer by augmenting the alcohol content, changing the flavor and in worst-case scenarios, making bottles explode.

One potential solution to yeast overgrowth in beer production may be found in a recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Researchers, including brewers and microbiologists, discovered that certain proteins called killer toxins, naturally produced by many varieties of S. cerevisiae, can suppress problematic diastatic strains, offering a way to manage the issue effectively.

“Typically, if there’s a diastatic contamination, the entire batch of beer has to be discarded, which is costly,” explained microbiologist and study lead Paul Rowley, Ph.D., from the University of Idaho. “Our study demonstrates that introducing killer yeast at the point of contamination acts as a remediation strategy, preventing the diastatic strains from proliferating.”

Diastatic strains of S. cerevisiae are critical in crafting Belgian-style saison beers known for their higher alcohol content. Challenges arise, according to Rowley, when these strains inadvertently become part of the brewing process for pale ales and other beer types, triggering unwanted secondary fermentation. Despite stringent monitoring practices at breweries, these strains can occasionally go undetected.

Rowley notes that these diastatic variants are difficult to distinguish visually on an agar plate. “They look identical to non-diastatic types,” he explained. The significant difference lies in a genetic change in the diastatic yeasts which enables them to break down residual starches more effectively. “In appearance, yeast remains yeast,” he added.

Large breweries sidestep contamination issues by pasteurizing beer, although it’s costly and some small brewers claim it alters the flavor. Nicholas Ketchum, a microbiologist at Rhinegeist brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio and co-author of a recent study, oversees monitoring diastatic contamination there.

The initiative started when Ketchum was teaching applied microbiology and brewing at a community college in Cincinnati. While preparing a lecture about wild yeasts and killer toxins, he conceived the idea that these proteins could be a cost-effective solution to diastatic contamination. He conducted initial tests, shared early results at the World Brewing Congress in 2020, and later discussed the findings on a beer brewer’s podcast, which intrigued Rowley.

In Rowley’s laboratory, researchers including Victor Zhong and Ximena Garcia tested 34 diastatic yeast strains against Saccharomyces strains that produce eight different killer toxins. The most potent, K1 toxin, halted growth in over 91% of the diastatic strains tested.

Ketchum mentioned the next objectives involve understanding the mechanism better and devising ways to make it applicable for craft breweries. He noted that there’s a lot still unknown about how the process works, highlighting that toxin effectiveness may vary based on overall yeast concentrations, not solely on diastatic types. Additionally, Rowley is exploring the prevalence of this issue among smaller breweries.

The potential relationship between the amount of yeast and the effect of toxins is also under examination by Rowley’s team.

Rowley continues to investigate killer toxins, which haven’t been well studied. “Yeasts are a lot more complicated than we might think,” he said.

More information:

Applied and Environmental Microbiology (2024). doi.org/10.1128/aem.01072-24

Journal information:

Applied and Environmental Microbiology

Provided by

American Society for Microbiology

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The world’s best pumpkin beer is brewed in Texas according to the World Beer Cup.

Pumpkin beer. Few pairs of words are quite as divisive in the craft beer movement—and arguably craft beverages at large. For haters, pumpkin beer is the pumpkin-spiced latte of the beverage world—a symbol of fall more terrifying than any skeleton decoration. These critics see pumpkin ales as basic beers designed for the masses rather than connoisseurs. On the other hand, fans—and there are still many among us—look forward to the style that lets brewers explore ingredients and that, when done well, creates a well-balanced fall-forward brewing option.

A decade or so ago, it seemed like almost every brewery was unveiling a pumpkin beer around this time of year, and sales from pumpkin beer and other fall seasonals peaked in 2015 at $1.2 billion. After that, the style was in decline for a few years but remained a big market force overall. However, according to some beer industry observers, pumpkin beers are starting to make a comeback.

I tend to fall somewhere in between the pumpkin beer haters and the lovers. Every year, I really enjoy one (or maybe two) pumpkin beers a lot. This beer or two gives me a fun taste of fall and unusual beer ingredients. If I drink any more than that, even if it’s a great pumpkin beer, it is too much for me.

Even so, I’m always interested in award-winning beers in any style. That’s why I took notice earlier this year when the judges at the World Beer Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious beer competitions, blind taste-tested dozens of pumpkin beers and crowned three as the world’s best for 2024. The winner’s podium included beers from Texas, Washington, and Denver, but the competition is open to beers from around the world and receives many international entries. You can be assured that these pumpkin beers are not the overly sweet, unbalanced variety but instead represent everything a pumpkin beer can and should be.

Here’s a closer look at these award-winning pumpkin beers.

To brew this gold medal-winning pumpkin beer, the team at Karbach Brewing Co. combines Munich and caramel malts with real pumpkin and pie spices including pumpkin pureé and pumpkin pie spice (made with cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and mace.) This lager mix is then aged in the brewery’s cellar for 4 weeks. The process is designed to create a seasonal beer that delivers all the flavors of pumpkin pie. Whether you want to take a “bite” probably depends on your preexisting feelings toward pumpkin beer.

I love a good pun-inspired beer name, and this one sure delivers on that front. But it’s more than a clever name. Per the brewery’s tasting notes, Ryes of the Pumpkin King is an oatmeal brown ale “brewed with pumpkin puree and rye malt and then cold steeped on cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.” The result is meant to be smooth and complex, welcoming the fall season.

A pumpkin twist on the River North Brewery’s barleywine, this beer means business. Its 11.4% ABV is hefty by any standard, and particularly striking for a pumpkin beer, which generally features lower alcohol content. While I haven’t tasted this beer myself, the combination of pumpkin and barleywine seems intriguing and distinct from the typical pumpkin beers available.

Traditionally, September 9 has become known as international buy a priest a beer day, tracing its origins back to the fabled St. Hopswald of Aleyard, who is reputed to have first treated his priest to a beer on this date.

While the idea of expressing gratitude to clergy through gifts is commendable, Bob Lafaro from Lafaro Insurance Agency joins us to explain why, from an insurance viewpoint, providing alcohol may not be the best form of appreciation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.

Carlos Netto is Co-founder and CEO of Matera, a software company he founded over 30 years ago in Brazil.

The sun beat down on the cobblestone streets of Monte Verde, Brazil, as I wandered, parched and dreaming of a cold beer. Rounding a corner, I stumbled upon an unexpected oasis: a vibrant, unattended beer booth standing proudly on the sidewalk.

This wasn’t your average kiosk. There was no bored vendor and no cash register—just a row of gleaming taps, each adorned with a unique QR code. A playful sign invited me to “Scan, Pay, Pour.”

Intrigued, I pulled out my phone, opened my banking app and scanned the code for a local lager. With a satisfying “beep,” my payment went through, and the tap unlocked. Moments later, I was sipping a crisp, refreshing brew, marveling at the sheer simplicity of it all.

This clever beer vendor didn’t waste time or resources on hiring staff to handle payments or on acquiring costly terminals for transactions at their booth. Instead, they concentrated on brewing excellent beer and providing it to people who needed it most—on sweltering days during a vacation.

As Jeff Bezos aptly put it when pitching Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2008, breweries should prioritize enhancing their beer’s flavor rather than spending resources on generating their own power, a common practice in the early 1900s. Overtime, breweries shifted their focus to improve their beer while relying on external sources for energy.

In a similar vein, companies in Brazil are now less obsessed with handling payments. Thanks to instant payments and QR codes, there’s no need for them to invest in expensive payment terminals that comply with extensive security standards. QR codes can be displayed on any screen or simply printed on paper, eliminating the need for a specialized terminal.

The ease and simplicity I experienced at that beer booth are reflective of the innovative culture fostered by Brazil’s Pix payment network. Although the successful implementation of Pix might be attributed to mandates from the Central Bank, the truth is that entrepreneurs and developers have utilized these tools to create payment solutions that significantly enhance user experiences.

The integration of QR codes with the instant payment system, Pix, has revolutionized the way transactions are conducted, providing businesses with a cost-effective and uncomplicated payment method. This transformation has not only streamlined financial interactions but has also expanded the reach of products and services to a wider audience of consumers and enterprises.

The United States stands in a prime position to mirror this technological advancement. With instant payment frameworks like FedNow and RTP already established, the infrastructure is prepared for the adoption of QR code payments on a large scale. American consumers, who are accustomed to using QR codes for accessing information and menus, will likely find using QR codes for payments an intuitive extension.

It is important to note that payment QR codes are distinct from the more commonly used URL QR codes in the U.S., which primarily serve for information dissemination.

Payment QR codes contain all necessary details to facilitate a transaction. Banks that have reliable and secure QR code payment systems can create QR codes for vendors, verify them upon scanning to ensure their integrity, and deactivate the QR codes once the payment is made to prevent duplicate transactions.

Once a standardized QR code payment system is established in the U.S. by ASC X9, QR codes issued by any financial entity will be compatible across the board.

This adoption will allow banks, credit unions, and merchants throughout the U.S. to provide a smoother and more straightforward payment method. The infrastructure for creating and interpreting QR codes already exists and is reliable, removing the necessity for each business to create individual solutions.

Reflecting on my experiences in Brazil, the evolution of payment modes can be as easy, secure, and delightful as scanning a QR and enjoying a drink. Integrating QR code payments with prompt transaction options, businesses can simplify processes, boost security, and improve customer service.

Here’s to embracing QR codes, immediate transactions, inventive businesses, and the pleasure of a chilled beer on a bright day. Cheers!

Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?

BROCKTON − Brockton food blogger Mirbentz Jean Francois has launched his first flagship location in Boston, serving delicious culinary creations and fun snacks. It’s a fast-paced take-out restaurant that lets you get fresh Haitian food without the long wait.

A Brockton man was rescued and flown to a Boston hospital after being trapped for hours in a train car that was carrying coal in Bridgewater.

An East Bridgewater man was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol after crashing his car into a home on Monday evening, while “allegedly filming a video on his phone when the crash occurred,” according to police.

In a crushing blow to downtown Brockton’s halting rebirth, Brockton Beer Company announced Friday it would close. Here is what we know.

In case you missed it, here are five of the top stories from the past week throughout the Brockton area.

Brockton’s very own food blogger has inaugurated his first primary establishment in central Boston, featuring a range of delicious culinary offerings and enjoyable snacks. Located at 700 Albany St., Boston, Mirbentz Jean Francois has transformed a substantial space into a dual-purpose venue named “Did You Eat Yet,” consisting of a convenience store and a take-out restaurant. This venture emphasizes a quick-service model where customers can swiftly enjoy pre-prepared Haitian meals by selecting from a buffet setup, facilitating a quick dining experience.

Haitian take-out spot in Boston: Brockton’s very own food blogger launches Haitian take-out spot and convenience store

A man from Brockton was saved and airlifted to a hospital in Boston after being entrapped for several hours in a train car filled with coal in Bridgewater. The Bridgewater Fire Department received an emergency call around 9:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, regarding a situation at Stiles & Hart Brick Co., situated at 127 Cook St., where an employee was caught in a rail car laden with coal. Upon their arrival, firefighters discovered a 26-year-old man from Brockton trapped waist-deep in coal within the railcar. “The man required urgent medical help,” stated Chief John Schlatz.

Man rescued from Bridgewater coal train: Brockton worker flown to Boston hospital after being rescued from Bridgewater coal train

News that feds charged former Stoughton cop Matthew Farwell with killing Sandra Birchmore after state and local probes ruled her death a suicide has people buzzing about parallels with a separate case: the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. Prosecutors say his girlfriend Karen Read hit him with her SUV in front of a fellow Boston cop’s house and left him to die. Both cases involve alleged homicides that occurred in the same town, Canton. Both cases involve — in very different ways — off-duty police officers. And both cases have caused media firestorms and public protests online and in person, with supporters demanding “Justice for Sandra Birchmore” and “Free Karen Read” adherents saying she was framed.

Norfolk DA investigated both cases: Norfolk DA investigated Sandra Birchmore and Karen Read cases. What’s same and different?

Is Matthew Farwell still a cop?: Is ex-Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell still a cop anywhere else? A 60 second read

A cow that had escaped and was being pursued by a rider on horseback in East Bridgewater was successfully secured thanks to the efforts of the East Bridgewater Police on a Wednesday morning. During his patrol around Belmont and Summer streets around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, Officer Robert Lang noticed the unusual scene, as stated by Chief Michael Jenkins in an afternoon report. Deputy Police Chief Mike McLaughlin, Sgt. John Smith, and Officers Joshua DeJesus, Matthew Monteiro, and Patrick O’Brien quickly arrived and aided in corralling the cow.

‘Boots’ the cow on the loose: ‘Boots’ the cow on loose in East Bridgewater safely corralled by police. What happened?

Brockton Beer Company, a local brewery and one of the few minority-owned breweries in the state located at 121 Main St., announced its closure last Friday, marking a setback for downtown Brockton’s development revival. The company made the announcement via a press release and social media blast that morning.

Brockton Beer Company to close: Brockton Beer Company to close. Here is what we know.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. 

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area top stories: Haitian take-out, Brockton Beer Co. closing

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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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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Pilsners are increasingly in popularity at beer competitions. Here are the world’s best according to … [+] a recent competition.

More people are interested in who makes the world’s best pilsner than ever before. As I’ve written previously, pilsners have long been the style that brewers order when visiting another brewery. This is because pilsners are clean and simple and there is nowhere for a brewer to hide “off” flavors.

But these days it’s not just brewers ordering these beers. Brewery patrons are buying more pilsners, and major beer competitions across the U.S. have seen an increased number of pilsners entered for consideration in 2024.

Some of the world’s best pilsners were named at The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Results were announced earlier this summer. Even though U.S. breweries dominated the competition across all categories, the contest was open to breweries across the globe.

The International Beer and Cider Awards featured competition among various pilsner styles including Bohemian-style, German-style, Italian-style, and West Coast-style pilsners, all of which are types of lager. Lagers have recently gained popularity among American craft brewers and beer enthusiasts.

At this year’s event, West Coast breweries excelled, clinching gold medals in every pilsner category, with a Portland brewery winning gold for two of its pilsners. These pilsners have been declared the best in the world for 2024.

Von Ebert Brewing has been recognized for producing the world’s best German-style pilsner, according to the 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards.

This brewery has seen consistent success in beer competitions, having previously won gold at the 2023 World Beer Cup and silver at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival for its pilsner. The beer’s tasting notes describe it as having hints of “fresh flowers, white peppercorn, and lightly toasted crackers.” Notably, this is just one of two pilsners from Von Ebert Brewing that won gold medals this year.

One of the core beers from this Washington brewery, Silver City Pils is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures: including an excellent pilsner. “With every sip, its grainy aromas intermingle with subtle hints of water cracker and a touch of honey. Like old friends sharing stories by the fire, the sweetness and bitterness balance perfectly,” notes the brewery.

Von Ebert Brewing makes the world’s best Italian-style pilsner according to the The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards.

Von Ebert Brewing clearly has this whole brewing pilsner thing down. Pierre Pilsner is the second gold medal-winning pilsner from this Portland Brewery. With a 4.8 ABV, it has, per the brewery, notes of “Ripe strawberry, crackery malt, citrus spritz.”

Like all beers brewed by Berryessa Brewing, Couch Potato is unfiltered and naturally carbonated. The beer is brewed with Admiral Maltings Feldblume Malt, Idaho Select Pilsner Malt, potato, and Idaho 7 Hops. The result, according to the brewery is, “a piney, dry, finely balanced brew.”

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