Beer-articles 947

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.

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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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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 into competitions 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 evaluated four distinct pilsner types: Bohemian-style pilsner, German-style pilsner, Italian-style pilsner, and West Coast-style pilsner. Pilsners, a category of lager, have seen a surge in popularity within the American craft brewing scene from enthusiasts to casual drinkers. Lagers have seen increased interest in American craft brewing.

Breweries from the West Coast claimed gold medals in each pilsner category with a Portland brewery winning gold for two different pilsners. These are the pilsners awarded gold medals in the 2024 competitions, positioning them as the top pilsners globally.

The best German-style pilsner of the world, as determined by The 2024 North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards, is crafted by Von Ebert Brewing.

Von Ebert Brewing utilized traditional German pilsner hops to create their award-winning beer, which has a history of competition success. Their pilsner previously secured a gold medal at the 2023 World Beer Cup and a silver at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival. The beer’s tasting notes depict its unique flavors as comprising “fresh flowers, white peppercorn, and lightly toasted crackers.” The brewery also excelled in the pilsner category with two gold medals at this year’s awards.

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 Potatoe 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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Former Tulsa World Publisher Eugene Lorton and Mayor Herman Newblock are shown in a historical photo in front of the first officially legal beer delivery in eastern Oklahoma. This significant event took place in July 1933 at the Tulsa World Building, as Lorton had advocated for the legalization of beer sales in Oklahoma.

Oklahomans had a strong desire for beer.

This was particularly true in Tulsa, where there had never previously been legal beer sales. The populace eagerly voted in favor of the legalization of 3.2% alcohol beer on July 11, 1933.

In Tulsa County, this proposal received overwhelming support, passing by more than a four-to-one margin. Similarly, in Oklahoma County, the initiative was approved at nearly a three-to-one rate.

Across the state, the proposition was passed by a two-thirds majority, although it was surmised that more individuals might have voted in favor had the temperature not been excessively high.

The weather on Election Day soared to 105 degrees, marking the 15th day in a row of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.

Despite the overwhelming support, the implementation was not immediate.

Governor William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray announced that the commencement of beer sales would only occur following an official proclamation. He also deployed the Oklahoma National Guard to secure the 50 rail carriages filled with beer at the Oklahoma City railway yard, preventing them from being accessed prematurely.

Though Attorney General J. Berry King declared that the beer sales were legalized following the election, dealers chose to wait until the governor sanctioned the sales. The Frisco Railroad was allowed by Governor Murray to transport 43 freight cars filled with beer into Tulsa, with the stipulation that they remain unloaded until his approval was granted.

Out of these, 27 freight cars were designated for Tulsa.

In anticipation of the governor’s nod, beer companies and vendors secured prominent advertisements in the Tulsa World newspaper on that day.

The following day, Governor Murray officially authorized the sales, marking this event with the delivery of the first legally sold case of beer in eastern Oklahoma to Eugene Lorton, the Publisher of Tulsa World. This historic delivery occurred in front of the World Building at 315 S. Boulder Ave., and was notably made using a wagon drawn by the renowned six-horse team of Anheuser-Busch.

A large number of people from Tulsa congregated in front of the newspaper office to observe the event, with notable attendees including Mayor Herman Newblock and World Editor N.G. Henthorne, who participated in both the state and Tulsa County committees of the Beer for Oklahoma League.

Lorton was a pioneer in campaigning for the legalization of beer sales in Oklahoma.

Within two days, a price competition arose, with numerous beer vendors reducing their prices to 15 cents per bottle, down from 20 cents. Previously, beer distributors and vendors had reached a consensus that beer would be maintained at 20 cents per bottle in hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants, and sold at two bottles for 35 cents in grocery stores.

According to a survey, only a handful of drugstores were still charging the 20-cent price. Those sticking to the agreed price indicated they might have to lower their prices to stay competitive.

Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.

Only in Oklahoma is a series from the Tulsa World Archive that was written by former Tulsa World Managing Editor Gene Curtis during the Oklahoma Centennial in 2007. The columns told interesting stories from the history of the country’s 46th state. The Tulsa World Archive is home to more than 2.3 million stories, 1.5 million photographs and 55,000 videos. Tulsa World subscribers have full access to all the content in the archive. Not a subscriber? We have a digital subscription special offer of $1 for three months for a limited time at tulsaworld.com/subscribe.

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“I wouldn’t have minded it so much if a man had shot me,” Starr reportedly said after being wounded.

It was the second explosion since the factory opened in 1973.

Three people were killed and 18 were injured when a fun day of celebrating the Fourth of July ended in tragedy in 1912.

When a guided missile frigate ship was named in his honor in 1980, Navy historian Samuel Morrison described the admiral as “part Cherokee, par…

When the Tulsa World introduced one of its most beloved columns in 1935, the writer kept it a secret from her husband until he discovered it by reading her first publication.

Malt produced at small malthouses is typically handcrafted, including the manual raking of malt to ensure it does not clump as the barley germinates.

When the Craft Maltsters Guild was established in 2013, it started with just eight member malthouses. As of now, the Guild includes 110 member malthouses located predominantly in North America, with additional members worldwide. There are also numerous other small malthouses not yet affiliated with the Guild.

Over the past decade since its inception, the craft malt industry has notably evolved into a significant sector.

“The surge in craft malt popularity directly correlates with the expansion of craft breweries and craft distilleries,” stated Steve Kurowski, the executive director of the Guild, during a phone interview. “These small-scale breweries and distilleries often prefer not to engage with larger malt suppliers. They have grown by encouraging their patrons to support local enterprises, and they, in turn, choose to support neighborhood businesses. This includes partnering with craft maltsters who are attentive and adaptive to their client’s needs.”

The rise of small maltsters, purchasing raw grains such as barley, wheat, rye, corn, and other varieties from nearby farmers, extends its benefits beyond just the local beer and spirits production. These smaller maltsters produce malt in much smaller batches compared to large-scale malthouses, enabling them to buy grains from small-scale, local farmers. This practice diminishes the reliance on monocropping and enhances diverse crop rotations, which are crucial for maintaining healthy soil across all types of crops, not only those used for brewing.

Contrastingly, large malthouses demand vast amounts of raw grains that need to be as uniform as possible, sourcing only a few varieties from limited American regions. For instance, barley typically comes from Midwest states, focusing on two or three specific varieties. On the other hand, small malthouses have the flexibility to source grains from other regions stretching from New York to California, adapting to local soil conditions and climates which differ from the Midwest. This regional and varietal diversity in agriculture helps safeguard against diseases and pests, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of the industry.

Moreover, the proliferation of small maltsters encourages more farmers to incorporate malting barley into their crop rotations, thus potentially boosting their incomes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that most farms are not profitable, allowing farmers to produce higher-value crops may represent a financial remedy. Promoting relationships with local farms, as noted by Kurowski, small maltsters not only reduce monoculture but also foster sustainable farming practices and a stronger community connection. Diversifying crop rotations is broadly recognized as beneficial for the soil since different crops have varied nutrient impacts.

Craft Malt Month, an initiative of the Craft Maltsters Guild, runs from September 1 to 30.

September is Craft Malt Month, an initiative of the Craft Maltsters Guild to promote the work of the Guild and bring attention to the work of small malthouses and small farmers.

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