hops

Rick Hewitt

Rick Hewitt of Emerald City Beer Co. (Editor’s Note: This is part of a series in which we scoured the

A Primer on Lagerbier

I am an unabashed lager lover. My first beer epiphany came from a glass of Hacker-Pschorr Dunkel in the mid-1970s.

Pilsner

Pilsner styles of beer originated in Bohemia in the Czech Republic. They are medium- to medium-full-bodied and are characterized by high carbonation and tangy Czech varieties of hops that impart floral aromas and a crisp, bitter finish. The hallmark of a fresh pilsner is the dense, white head. The alcohol levels must be such as to give a rounded mouthfeel, typically around 5 percent ABV. Classic pilsners are thoroughly refresh ing, but they are delicate and must be fresh to show their best. Few beers are as disappointing to the beer lover as a stale pilsner. German pilsner styles are similar, though often slightly lighter in body and color. Great pilsners are technically difficult to make and relatively expensive to produce.

with Geoff and Marcy Larson

Congratulations on this anniversary! What’s the most surprising thing to you about the fact that you’re sitting there in Juneau,

Amber Lager

Amber lagers are a vaguely defined style of lager much favored by U.S. lager brewers. They are darker in color, anywhere from amber- to copper-hued, and generally more fully flavored than a standard pale lager. Caramel malt flavors are typical, and hopping levels vary considerably from one brewery to the next, though they are frequently hoppier than the true Vienna lager styles on which they are loosely based. Alcohol levels are generally a maximum of 5 percent ABV.

Pale Ale Tasting Notes

Cardinal Pale Ale This ale from Nebraska Brewing pours a golden straw color with a lacing head. Floral hops and

1 4 5 6 41