Ah, the lager. One of the must under-appreciated beer styles amongst the beer geeks. Immediately the beer geek will associate lagers with the big boys Bud, Miller and Coors. The smarter beer geek will understand that German lagers are some of the best available but alas that's not what I'm talking about.
I am in fact reviewing an American Macro Lager. I can feel the collective shudder of beer geeks everywhere. But if you know me and you are a regular reader you know there is no shame in my game. I will always try to find the good in a beer no matter who makes it. I don't care if you are a brewing behemoth pumping out lagers every second or if you're a small brewer pumping out less than 3000 barrels per year. Granted just cause I'm trying to find the good in a beer doesn't mean I always will hence the Game Day beers.
Anyways, I have a weird fascination with the regional macro beer companies like Hamms, Narragansett and even locally Dixie. I really can't explain it but it's my goal to try as many of these breweries as I can. I know that Hamms and Narragansett are making huge comebacks but they aren't available here in New Orleans. Anyone want to send me some???
On a recent trip to Texas a friend of mine picked up a sixer of Lone Star 16oz cans. I've been drinking them ice cold and straight from the cans and I must say they aren't bad. They are great for the hot summer. My recommendation though would be to buy the cans(less chance of skunking and oxidization)and get them real cold. Anyways, here is my review:
Brewery: Pabst Brewing Company/G.Heileman Brewing Co.
Beer: Lone Star Beer
Style: American Macro
Appearance: I have no idea. I drank it straight from the can as it should be.
Smell: Very sweet malty aroma with hints of grain and breadiness.
Taste: Similar to aroma with malty sweetness with hints if grain/cereal taste. Hop presence is minimal to non existent except for the slight bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Thin body with high carbonation.
Drinkability: Not a bad beer at all. Lets be honest they aren't trying to be the next hop bomb or coffee stout. It is what it is. A simple American lager. I recommend getting these in cans and serving them extremely cold. Great beer for after mowing the lawn or while you're grilling.
Score:
3 out of 5 BuddhasCheers!
The Beer Buddha
8 comments:
I have had enough Lone Star Beer in my lifetime to float the battleship Texas and I agree with your assessment. Perhaps it's because I was raised in Texas and did a lot of farmwork, so this was the after-work beverage of choice when hot and sweaty. I still pick some up on the rare instances I go back. It is what it is -- similar to Dixie in that it's a beer specific to a particular part of the country in a particular stage of my life.
Side notes -- the beer was originally brewed in San Antonio, but the brewery has been converted a la the Jax Brewery in New Orleans. The old museum pieces (stuffed animals and fish, antique fishing lures, etc.) have been moved to another location nearby (inside an old bar with delightful outside seating). The actual brewing process was changed slightly as brewing locations were moved around to East Texas (Longview) and other spots during the Urban Cowboy days of the early 1980s before finally finding a home at the old Miller Brewery on the south side of Fort Worth. Far as I can tell, they have gone back to the original formula. The cardboard cases used to have printed targets on the bottom so one could have something to shoot at while drinking (firearms and alcohol -- a great Texas combination). There also used to be a "cheap" version of Lone Star (if you can imagine such) called Buckhorn Beer.
Ah, the beer "From the land of sky blue waters" I hope you get to try Hamm's. If it is the same as it was in the 70's and 80's you will enjoy a pretty decent beer. Not a great beer but better than most commercial beers. I am from Illinois close to St Louis. I was raised on Bud products. We would grow tired of them and seek "new" beers. I remember Hamm's as being one of my favorites. I almost would of considered it my "Craft Brew" in the late 70's. It was always a treat.
I forgot to add, Lone Star isn't a bad beer either if as you mention, get it in the can. I have drank some nasty Lone Star from the bottle.
Well brother you know I agree with ya 100%. I drank some Lone Star when I was in San Antonio. Try to get your hands on some Pearl.
Like you, I have an unusual fascination with regional beers. Just since June 1st, on road trips to New York City, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, etc., I've picked up Busch Ice (very rare), Colt 45 Double Malt (1st time ever seeing this, but have heard about it for years), Colt 45 High Gravity (1st time seeing it or hearing about it), Hamm's Golden Draft, Stroh's, Michelob Golden Draft (only sold in MN, IA, WI, & IL), Ballantine Ale, Silver Thunder Malt Liquor, St. Ides High Gravity, Schmidt, Piels Draft Style, National Bohemian, National Bohemian Ice, Beer 30 Ice, Schaefer, Heileman's Old Style, Point Special, Henry Winehard's Private Reserve, Stag, and Genesee. There was more, but I can't get it all on one trip!
Jay,
Dang man and I thought I liked regional beers! Thanks for reading!
Cheers!
BB
Drank my first Lone Star at a roller derby match in Austin, and i must say not bad. I totally agree with your review.
I'm a little bummed that in all this regional canned beer chatter, no one has mentioned Rainier.
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