Let's just say that in filling the slots of the BJCP categories that denote what many of us would consider "lesser" beer styles (clears throat), there are many to choose from, little that inspires, and much debate, although Bockland is more interesting than the rest.
Also, bear in mind that everything's provisional at this point. Category 1, Light Lager, is here: No worries: Still a Lite-Free Zone, with no 1A allowed.
2. PILSNER
2A. German Pilsner (Pils)
Warsteiner … Germany; 4.8% … 4.00
2B. Bohemian Pilsener
Pilsner Urquell … Czech Republic. 4.4% … 3.75
2C. Classic American Pilsner
(NABC’s Kaiser 2nd Reising periodically appears on draft).
3. EUROPEAN AMBER LAGER
3A. Vienna Lager
Samuel Adams Boston Lager … Massachusetts HQ; 4.9% … 3.75
3B. Oktoberfest
(Seasonal only, circa September)
4. DARK LAGER
4A. Dark American Lager
*Leinenkugel Creamy Dark … Wisconsin; 4.9% … $.$$
4B. Munich Dunkel
Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel … Germany; 5% … 16.9 oz … 6.50
4C. Schwarzbier (Black Beer)
Kulmbacher Monchshof Schwarzbier … Germany; 4.9% … 16.9 oz … 6.75
5. BOCK
5A. Maibock/Helles Bock
Rogue Dead Guy … Oregon; 6.5% .. 4.25
5B. Traditional Bock
*Berghoff Traditional Bock Beer … Wisconsin; 5.4% … $.$$
5C. Doppelbock
Celebrator Doppelbock … Germany; 6.7% … 5.75
Spaten Optimator … Germany; 7.2% ... 4.00
5D. Eisbock
Kulmbacher (Reichelbräu) Eisbock … Germany; 9.2% … 5.50
The other Doppelbocks we like so much will appear as a group, seasonally, and of course there'll be space for those packaged in draft form.
ReplyDeleteNot that there is anything wrong with Dead Guy, but no lagers available for 5A?
ReplyDeleteRob, I'm open for suggestions. I've never, ever understood how Dead Guy fits this category as an ale.
ReplyDeleteWhile unaware of everyday availability for Helles Bock in the portfolios of our wholesalers, I might be missing one, and I'm asking them for help.
Roger,
ReplyDeleteSierra Nevada Glissade maybe?
I think it might be seasonal, but, you know, that seems kind of appropriate. Dead Guy for year round with Glissade in the spring (although I think I saw it in the shelfs well past that).
I would imagine Mahr's Bock would be readily available, if not year-round. If looking for a more local option, there is always Upland Maibock. (I have not sampled the latter, so I cannot attest to its quality.)
ReplyDelete