Monday Rant: Lager than Life

Sometimes you just don't have that light bulb switch on in your head until you read something about a particular subject somewhere and realize how right it could be. I've even had such an experience where I read something and realized that it's so true, but I've never really figured it out enough in my own head. What I read ended up tying all of the loose ends.

You probably have no idea where I'm going with this, but I'll just make it much less complicated than I already have. If I said to you that lagers were pretty underrated in the beer world, would you agree with me?

The article I linked makes a good point about half way through. The word pilsner has been bastardized. From my point of view, that could possibly be from the numerous American lager commercials (i.e. Miller Coors etc.) claiming that they fall under this style. I know Miller Lite is assumed to be a pilsner. In my opinion, it tastes nothing like a pilsner. Maybe it tastes like the watered down American lager we've become ascertained to since the Great Depression.

A pretty damn good lager.

I also get an irking that many out there frown upon lagers because they're more traditional styles than some of the over-the-top and extremely creative brews we see in craft beer today. People flock to releases of double IPA's and barrel-aged stouts. Some breweries are forced to do away with some lagers because of time it spends taking up space in tanks. That's understandable as well as unfortunate.

I'm more of a traditional guy. I hated to see instant replay in baseball. I'm a staunch traditionalist. Maybe that's why I have a deep affinity for lagers? There's nothing wrong with enjoying some of the very exotic beers out there. Be my guest and partake. That's not hurting anything. Let's just not forget about some of the older and more traditional beer styles.

There are plenty of great and tasty styles in the lager category. A lot of good pilsners and helles lagers are popping out since we are close to summer. Before long we'll be enjoying Oktoberfests. How can I forget about Dunkels? There are a lot of good styles listed in the lager category in the previously mentioned article. Just check it out.

Beer Review: 21st Amendment Fireside Chat

Just as President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a famous address on this day 70 years ago I only find it fitting that I  post this review tonight so it will be marked with this date that has forever "lived in infamy."

According to the 21st Amendment Brewery's website, Fireside Chat Winter Spiced Ale is obviously named after the fireside radio broadcasts the previously mentioned president would hold during the The Great Depression.

This was the first beer I've ever had from 21st Amendment. Not only does this brewery have some of the most cleverly named beers it now has one of the better tasting ones.

Serving Type: Draft

ABV: 7.9 percent

Appearance: Fireside Chat is a very dark brown. This is probably the darkest winter ale I've drank thus far. When you look at the beer in a bit of light it glows ruby red. A bit of research will tell you that the head is a lot livelier when Fireside Chat is poured from a can, but this serving it was only about as thick as half of my finger.

Smell: This beer smelled like a lot of cinnamon, spices and clove. The spices and cinnamon are very dominant. I'm beginning to not expect anything different when it comes to these winter ales.

Taste: I tasted everything I smelled. I also got a nice hint or caramel on my tongue. All ingredients tasted as if they were smoked together in this beer, which seems to be a tad fitting given this beer's name.

Overall Rating:  

Not a bad drink by any means. I'm not the biggest fan of winter ales, but if I'm looking for a warmer and this beer is in the lineup I'm most likely picking it. Definitely the best winter ale I've tried. looking forward to the next time I find it on tap somewhere.