Just a week ago,
I was sitting in Nashville, at the bar of Bosco’s Brewery and Restaurant
sipping a pint of their famous Flaming Stone Beer, which is a German
Steinbier by style. Pretty cool weekend it was, but that was last week,
and as I was out and about this week looking for my current version of
bibulous pleasure, I spied an 8-pack sampler form Milwaukee’s Lakefront
Brewery.
I had had some of their beers before, but less than half the ones in this
package. Hence, its appeal increased ten-fold. One of the beers proudly
advertised on the box as being included inside was Riverwest Stein Beer.
“Wow!” I thought, “Another stone beer!” Well, it isn’t unfortunately, though
I wouldn’t mind filling a stein with it. And emptying the stein. And filling
it back up again. And emptying that one and…you get the idea.
You see, “Stein” is German for stone. “Stein Beer” (or Steinbier as the
Germans say) is made by plunging mad hot rocks into the brew kettle to
superheat the wort and caramelize sugars, adding an extra layer of rich
depth and flavor. But stein is also, as you probably know, a term for a
drinking vessel. And I think it’s the latter Lakefront is talking about
here.
Lakefront Riverwest Stein Beer pours to a dark reddish amber color
with a very thick and creamy head formation and a full and luscious malt
nose. A substantial layer of Brussels lace clings to the sides of the glass
as the liquid descends. Just smelling this one I knew it was going to be
good, and I was right. A sip treated my taste buds to a very chewy,
caramel-laden brew replete with some interesting roasty nutty flavors. The
body is creamy and smooth on the tongue.
This is described as an amber lager, and it is a tad reminiscent of a Vienna
Lager even. Though Munich and Vienna malts aren’t used, caramel is, and I
think it works nicely with the roasted unmalted barley to give a slightly
similar effect. The finish is well balanced, with just a hint of bitterness
and a gentle herbal aroma. This is definitely an easy drinking beer, and I
could see myself imbibing pint after pint of it. But it’s got enough flavor
to satisfy, too.
Not really a stein beer, but a good one all the same. Pick some up if you’re
lucky enough to come across it.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.