Shiner 98 has arrived!

Yes, the latest edition in Shiner's anniversary beers is already here … and it's delicious!

If you've been following along, Shiner has been marking the run-up to its 100th anniversary by releasing a limited-edition special beer. In their 96th year (2005), they put out "96," a wonderful Marzen-style ale. The next year, 97 was a black lager – well-done, although not quite up to the standard of New Belgium's 1554 or the Brazilian Xingu.

Now, we have 98 — a "Bavarian style amber." I love it. I've already killed half a six-pack tonight, and it is goes down so easily I might accidentally drink the whole thing. It has a gentle toastiness, a well-measured does of malt that gives a strong but not overwhelming flavor. Honestly, if my memory serves, it tastes a lot like 96. And it comes in this really cool retro-looking red and gold bottle, looking like something out of the Forties or Fifties.

Once again, I'll say what I said about 96 two years ago — once all this anniversary stuff is over, I hope they'll pick at least one of these beers and make it a permanent part of their line-up.

I'd link to some info on it, but Shiner has apparently decided to never update its website again — it's still advertising 96, which hasn't been available since Dec. 31, 2005! Come on Shiner, join the information age! Anyhoo, get some of this now, because once it's gone, it's completely gone.