Tegernseer Spezial
Josh Brengle, production manager, Compañía Cervecera Hércules, Querétaro, Mexico
“I’m not sure that there is a more refreshing beer on a hot day in Bavaria than this one. Their Hell grabs a lot of attention, but this one (an export helles) is all that plus a little more. Spicy, flowery hops dominate the aroma and flavor, while doughy and honey-like malt flavors bring you to a dry, very slightly tart finish. Best enjoyed at the Bräustüberl right on the shores of Lake Tegernsee.”
Rothaus Tannenzapfle
Matt Smith, founder/brewer, Wandering Soul in Beverly, Massachusetts
“This was the first lager that truly blew my brewer mind, simply because of how clean it is. There’s a transparency to not only the color but also the flavor. The grain bill allows the hops to come through with a direct hit to your taste buds. The finish is very dry, which I love, and they boast about using the ‘purest spring water from the Black Forest.’ I believe them, and it’s a great example of how a beer can only be as good as the water you’re using.”
ABGB Industry Pils
Sarah Nadeem, co-owner/brewer, Misfit Outpost in Cypress, Texas
“My favorite is from the Austin Beer Garden Brewery. A crisp German Pils with a slightly dry finish—I can drink it all day. Every time I drive to Austin, I make sure I bring a few four-packs back to Houston. A lot of great memories tied to that beer and brewery for me.”
Lua Gil’s Pils
Joe Wells, head brewer, Fair State Brewing Coop in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
“A crisp, fairly hoppy pilsner with a decocted Barke pils base, packaged at high carb levels in 500-millileter glass bottles? Count me in. This gem of a Midwestern lager is unassuming and expertly crafted, from its rocky white meringue to its pale golden body. It tastes like somebody cares about every minute detail.”
Störtebeker Keller-Bier 1402
Connor MacLeod, head brewer, Burnside Brewing in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
“It’s all about feinherb—a northern German lager just hits the spot. Störtebeker seems happy to play with both traditional German styles and some obvious craft influence. Moderate bitterness, slight orange aromatics—refreshment in the form of a half-liter bottle.”