Monday, June 07, 2010

Shiner 101: Well Done!

I am way overdue for saying this — since it was released back in, what, early spring? — but with summer upon us, now is definitely the time: Shiner 101 Czech-Style Pilsner is a truly fine beer.

I have been drinking a TON of this, especially since it started getting hot (which, here in Texas, means April). Of all the limited-edition anniversary beers (the numbered series), I think this may be the best. And that's saying lot, since I've really liked everything in anniversary series. It's crisp, it's refreshing, and it has this really satisfying dose of hops offset by mesquite-smoked pale malts.

Okay, I've never actually traveled to Plzen and had a pilsner fresh out of the brewery in the motherland, but of the pilsners I have had, this just may be the best. So far, the only one of the numbered series that ultimately made it into Shiner's permanent lineup has been 97 (Bohemian Black Lager). Shiner 101 deserves to join it. Please, please Spoetzl brewery, keep making this one past 2010. I absolutely love it.

4 comments:

Sarah Loyd said...

We are also really enjoying 101 and I hope they make it permanent! It's a great spring and summer beer - very drinkable, a little sweet, but not watery or diluted.

hiikeeba said...

If it helps, I will vote with both of you.

Anonymous said...

This is actually one of my least favorite anniversary brews.

The 97 (now black lager) is definitely my preference over this one.

That said: variety is the spice of life.

Ilya Feynberg said...

The 101 line from Shiner is great! Try giving Sierra Nevada's Summer Fest Lager a try. It's an interesting one...feels like a lager and almost...just almost finishes like a pale ale. Make sure it's nice and cold too! :)