Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Kolsch Takes the Cake at Indiana Brewer's Cup


For the second year in a row, Schlafly's Kölsch has beer awarded first place in the Light Hybrid category in the Indiana Brewer's Cup.

The competition has been going on for several years now as part of the Indiana State Fair. The contest has two tiers, one for home brewers and one for professional breweries. Keep an eye out for photos.

The Schlafly Kölsch has been a proud member of our lineup for many years. We have been brewing it with a traditional German Kölsch yeast at temperatures lower than normal ale temperatures to allow it to develop the unique, crisp and clean flavor that typifies a Kölsch. Once you've tried the National Beer of Cologne (the German city where the style originated) you'll recognize it as an ale apart.

Originally distributed as the seasonal Summer Kölsch, we are now happy to provide Kölsch year-round. The response we have received from our customers led us to bring it on full-time. Not to mention, Kölsch is a beer that is always in season. Refreshing when it's hot and satisfying when it's cold.

While the brewers back in Cologne may dispute hanging the "hybrid" label on their beloved Kölsch, there just aren't that many Kölsch beers being submitted to the Cup, although the overall interest is growing. That said, Kölsch shares the category with Blond Ale, Cream Ale and American Wheat or Rye Beer, a potentially crowded field.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Hot Liquor Lager


The first in line of a new series of "on-premise only" Brewer's Choice beers is the eponymous Hot Liquor Lager, designed by the lead singer of the Schlafly House Band The Hot Liquors. Brewer Eric Roy wanted a beer that blended the best of two worlds, a well-hopped, easy-drinking lager.

Weighing in at 49 ibu's and 6.0% abv, Hot Liquor Lager is a delicious hoppy lager fermented at 45 deg F has a big hop aroma and a rich hop flavor that satisfies without being overwhelming. Despite the high OG, the beer's great attenuation allows the malt to shine but finish clean and dry, necessitating another.

The Brewer's Choice beers are small batches-15 barrels or less-that will only be available at the Schlafly Bottleworks. This line of beers will allow the brewers a change to flex their creativity and give visitors a chance to try something unique.

Hot Liquor Lager
IBU: 49
ABV: 6.0%
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