Effective immediately and lasting through Sunday, August 29th, Brix is offering a special mixed case price! Buy any 4 (four) six-packs and you’ll save 10% off. This includes all American craft and domestic beer, German, Belgian, English and various other imported beers. There are no exclusions. If it comes in a six-pack you can save!
No rainchecks, we are sure to run out of somethings but we’ll restock as quickly as we can!
MillerCoors has created an independent company to handle their craft beer and imports. The company is called Tenth and Blake Beer Company. At the moment the company’s brands include Blue Moon, Leinenkugel’s and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
In the future their brewery in Denver and Milwaukee will produce beers for Tenth and Blake Beer Company. So at some point we’ll likely see a MillerCoors IPA? Imperial Stout? Craft beer is clearly making some inroads if the “big boys” want to play along. The only question is will they play fair? Will these beers be good for consumers but bad for craft beer on the whole?
In the world of beer no nation is more traditional than Germany. A rich brewing history has made the Germans famous for high quality beer. The foundation of America’s brewing legacy is deeply rooted in German brewing. Frankly, almost all of the top selling beers in the world are styles traceable back to German brewing. However, relying on tradition can lead to a boring beer experience.
Most beer drinker’s attention turns to German beer in the fall because of the overwhelming popularity of Oktoberfest and the beer associated with the event, Märzen. Oktoberfest takes place every fall in Munich. While once a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, it has transformed into a massive beer-driven festival.
The first modern Oktoberfest beer (also known as Märzen) was brewed by the Munich brewery Spaten in 1872. However, the style can be traced back to Vienna, Austria. By the early 1840s brewing technology had advanced considerably and brewers were able to refine the malt characteristics in beer. Beer could be brewed paler in color, clarity was improved and most importantly flaws and off-flavors began disappearing. Before the 1840s all beer was dark in color, vaguely smoky and generally unpleasant to look at… and, most likely, not that tasty by today’s standards.
When Spaten introduced their new beer at Oktoberfest it was a smashing success. Märzen has become the official beer of Oktoberfest since. Traditional Märzen is brewed in March and lagered (stored) over the summer and served in the fall. The end result is a smooth, malty-sweet lager which is dangerously drinkable.
Within the last couple decades, the once amber hued Märzen served at the Munich Oktoberfest has been lightened in color and the alcohol has been slightly reduced. The Märzens exported to the United States, or those brewed by U.S. craft breweries, tend to resemble the traditional, richer Vienna inspired version. The modern Munich Märzen resembles the Helles-style of lager that is also popular in Germany. Many casual beer drinks find the Helles influenced Märzens more appealing. Likewise, the lower alcohol content allows for more liters to be consumed before the alcohol takes its toll, which the business-minded breweries like.
For a brewery to sell their Märzen at Oktoberfest in Munich the brewery must be located within city limits. As such, only Spaten, Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, and Löwenbräu have the ability to serve the thirsty patrons. Other breweries throughout Germany, and now the world, brew this tasty style of lager. But, are German breweries still producing the best Märzen?
Based solely on opinion, antidotal evidence and my own palate, American brewers have overthrown German brewers as the best producers of Märzen in the world. American craft brewers are creating both traditional Okoberfest beer and Americanized versions. Both should have a place in the beer drinker’s heart (or belly).
One of the finest examples of Märzen sold in the United States, and sold in Nebraska, hales from Longmont, CO. Left Hand’s Oktoberfest is a stunning example of the style; amber hued, malty nose with a kiss of herbal hops. Rich maltiness on the palate, hints of crackers, bread, and earthy-spicy herbs are balanced perfectly.
Unfortunately, some craft beer drinkers are a bit snobby and overlook the largest craft brewer in American, Boston Beer Company. The brewers of Samuel Adams also offer an excellent traditional Märzen. Samuel Adams Octoberfest (sic) is coppery in color, fairly aromatic in the nose with balanced maltiness. As expected for the style, it is very drinkable.
Likewise, from New Ulm, MN is Schell Oktoberfest. Again, this arrives from a brewery that many craft beer drinkers consider old fashioned. So what! Schell produces a superb Märzen; bronze in hue, moderate bouquet but the palate is ideally malty and balanced.
Since American brewers don’t have stodgy rules to follow or centuries of tradition to dictate how to brew they are limitless. As such, many traditional styles have been “Americanized.” In most cases this means the beer is hoppier or maltier or stronger than the traditional version. Märzen has too been Americanized.
Probably the most glaring example is Avery’s The Kaiser. Clocking it at a robust 9.3% ABV, The Kaiser is far removed from tradition. This “Imperial Oktoberfest” is hoppy, boozy and ridiculously robust.
Another Americanized Märzen comes from the quite traditional Summit Brewing of St. Paul, MN. Simply packaged, Summit Oktoberfest looks and smells the part of a traditional Märzen. However, one sip reveals a more robust maltiness and fuller body. The sneakiness of the 7.7% ABV is what pushes this beer away from traditional.
When freshness and cost is also factored in it is hard not to gravitate towards domestic Märzen. Of course, German-brewed Märzen is tasty and perfectly drinkable but it just seems too many craft beer drinkers have blinders on. Just step away from the Old World and look at good old American brewed Märzen.
Beer from Russia? Of course! Baltika is the largest Russian brewery as well as the #1 beer in Europe in terms of sales. Influenced by German tradition Baltika is definitely more than an array of skunky yellow beers.
Here is what we are sampling on Saturday:
Baltika #4 – In the vein of Munich Dunkel Lager but with rye and more caramel maltiness.
Baltika #6 – A Baltic Porter; 7% ABV.
Baltika #7 – This is the only Dortmunder available in Nebraska.
Baltika #8 – A real deal Bavarian-style Hefeweizen from Russia.
Baltika #9 – Nothing too fancy here, a strong European-style lager; 9% ABV.
Each Baltika variety is only $2.49 each but if you mix any FOUR Baltika beers you get a special price of $8.99 for all four. Plus there will be other giveaways.
This fall Samuel Adams Latitude 48 IPA will be available in six-packs. It is unclear at the moment if this will be a seasonal or a year-round beer (I believe I heard it will be year-round). Also this fall the Harvest Collection mixed twelve-packs will feature Samuel Adams first ever attempt at a Pumpkin Ale.
Some other Samuel Adams scuttlebutt includes Cranberry Lambic leaving the Winter Classics mixed twelve-pack this holiday season. It will be sold in six-packs which is a win-win. Those that hate this beer (there are many) can avoid it and those who love it (there are just as many) can buy it in a six-pack. Replacing the Cranberry Lambic will be Chocolate Bock. Also new to the Winter Classics twelve-pack is White Ale which was replaced by Noble Pils as the spring seasonal. I believe Samuel Adams Light will be removed to make room for the White Ale. Nice additions, IMO.
Once again Samuel Adams will let the general beer drinking public decide what they are brewing next. The Beer Lover’s Choice 2010 will feature “Sample A” a Belgian Style IPA and “Sample B” an American Rye Ale. Stay tuned as Brix will be one of the locations in town where you can come sample these two beers and vote which you would like to see in six-packs.
Lastly, Samuel Adams will not be releasing Utopias this year as they are sticking to the tradition of releasing it every other year (odd numbered years) so for many the wait continues…
Beginning Wednesday, May 26th for six consecutive weeks, Brix will be holding classes designed to educate the mind and palate about all things beer. We will discuss in depth a wide range of topics from brewing history, lore, facts, and myths. We will sample some of the greatest beers in the world and discuss classic beer styles. You will have the chance to see, taste, and smell beer in a whole new light.
If you ever wanted to learn the difference between ale and lager or stout versus porter these classes are for you. If you ever wanted to know the history of India Pale Ales or why canned beer is better than glass bottles these classes are for you. Besides, what University mandates drinking in class?
Each class starts at 7:00 pm in Brix’s Event Centre (located north of the retail store, in the same building). Each class will run for approximately 90 minutes. Tuition cost for each session is $20. However, if you sign up for all 6 sessions, tuition will be reduced to $100 total.
Included in Each Session:
· 8-10 beer samples (3 ounces each)
· Light snacks
· A detailed handout of the session’s topics
· A great time with great people
Session Dates & Topics
· Session 1 (May 26th) – Introduction to Craft Beer
· Session 2 (June 2nd) – Beers of Germany (& Czech Republic)
· Session 3 (June 9th) – Beers of United Kingdom
· Session 4 (June 16th) – Beers of USA
· Session 5 (June 23rd) – Beers of Belgium
· Session 6 (June 30th) – Rare & Unusual Beers
The classes will be taught by Brix’s own Brent Udron, Manager of Brewed Beverages.
Click: “Register Now” and go to our Online Registration Page for Session Selection and Payment Options.
If you have any questions about our Craft Beer University, any of the session information or how to register, don’t hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to seeing you at class!
Sincerely,
Brent Udron
Brix Omaha
402-991-9463 (extension 103)
The long awaited arrival of Nebraska’s own Lucky Bucket IPA has hit store shelves. Hopheads rejoice! At Brix six-packs are on special for $8.79 or buy a case for $33.99 (which gets it down to the equivalent to $8.49 a six-pack).
We expect after this initial order, of 50 cases, to see spotty outages for a couple weeks, per the distributor… so stock-up. We are very excited to have another excellent IPA available at Brix. Not to mention it is a local beer.
Lucky Bucket IPA is 6.3% ABV. 65 IBUs.
Who needs to drink Mexican lagers for Cinco de Mayo? Since it is a made-up beer drinking holiday why not drink a made-up beer style (Mexican-style Ale, really?) from a made-up brewery. All joking aside, Sprecher Brewing Company has created a Beer Marketing Company called El Rey Beer. From this “brewery” comes El Rey Mexican-style Ale.
Poured from a 12oz bottle (not Sprecher’s standard sixteen ounce bottle) a very pale yellow in hue beer emerges. Sickly clear, watery looking even but that is to be expected from the “style.” Short lived white head, at the apex it was barely a half finger tall. Not much subsequent lacing. Not the most impressive beer visually.
Sweet… malty at first with a lemony, corny aroma by the finish; the bouquet is fairly grainy. The nose is simplistic overall. As expected, not much in the way of hops; clean bouquet. This is the kind of beer you can drink on the colder side as there are no details to be lost.
The palate is on the sweeter, corny side (think Grain Belt) which I don’t mind. What makes this a “Mexican-style ale” (I guess) is the lemon-lime, salty taste. Now, don’t get me wrong this is not like Miller Chill; the lemon-lime-salty taste is soft and works very well with the upfront sweetness. A lighter beer, with too much malt/adjunct sweetness, makes little sense as it wouldn’t be a good summery beer. I think El Rey will be an excellent summer beer as there is more depth and flavor than most of the industrial yellow beers on the market. Is this a true craft beer? Maybe. I guess. Does it matter? It is what it is… and it is tasty (for what it is).
Medium-light in body, moderate carbonation but enough effervesce to scrub some of the malty sweetness away which is important since there isn’t much of a hop bite. Good mouthfeel.
El Rey is plenty drinkable… tasty and likeable. This beer is a great steppingstone away from Bud-Miller-Coors or more fitting a steppingstone away from Corona-Tecate-Modelo. Hardcore beer geeks will not get excited over this beer. I’m not judging but there is a time and place for beers like this. It is nothing stellar but it is decent… just don’t downgrade it because it is not “in your face” with hops and alcohol. Don’t over think it, just enjoy.
Overall Score: B-
Beer Review…
It pours black; a deep rich color; it was impenetrable by light. The body alone looks the part; very menacing. Only a smallish beige head formed on a harder than normal pour but that should be expected considering the barrel aging and high ABV. No subsequent lacing at all (and my glass was clean), however a small ring of foam did last the entire consumption. The appearance is exactly what one would expect. It’s eye-candy for beer geeks.
I am utterly amazed that so much coffee aroma shines through in the nose. BC Stout is a beast of a beer. I regularly tell customers that it is the most robust beer available in Nebraska (on a regular basis). I digress… once I start deconstructing the nose oak, bourbon, vanilla, cherries, chocolate, licorice and a note of brandy soaked raisins join the espresso party. I love the cherry aroma in the bouquet; it gives the nose some extra depth and complexity. Somehow, the bourbon is secondary to the coffee… if not secondary it is extremely well-balanced for a 13% ABV imperial stout (that is bourbon barrel aged with coffee). I am so impressed with the complexity of the nose. Robust but not hot, complex but every note sings clearly. It might not be the “best” smelling beer I have ever stuck under my beak but it sure was memorable.
The palate shows as much coffee as the nose did which is a fantastic accomplishment. Again, BC Stout is bourbon-flavor heavy, it is a very robust beer that can quickly overwhelm the palate… in a good way. The addition of coffee mellows the flavors, by comparison, and adds complexity and depth. Bourbon, coffee (espresso), chocolate and cherries provide the bulk of the characteristics. The palate is warm and boozy, clearly this beer is still young but I don’t find it raw. The finish flashes “Imperial Stout” maltiness with a wonderful blast of espresso and cherry. I am so impressed with the absolute robustness of the flavors and yet I am not being overwhelmed. Not to overstate this beer but for what it is, for how strong it is, for how robust and raw it is… I must say, this beer is amazingly drinkable.
Slightly oily mouthfeel (which is typical of BC Stout); full in body, low carbonation; the mouthfeel is ideal for this beer. Sip & savor is the name of the game.
As the beer warms the nose livens up, gets boozier, hotter… rawer… more complex even (is that possible?). As does the palate… rich, raw but so damn fun to drink. This beer is great right now but it can only get better with age. Stored properly I am betting this beer has 5 or 7 years easy of maturity before it peaks. There were high expectations about this beer and they were met in spades. Goose Island tinkered with BC Stout and lived to tell about it. This beer is an absolute must try. Get a friend because it is 22 ounces of one BIG beer. Highly recommended.
Overall Score: A+
When: Thursday, May 6th
Time: 5-7pm
Where: Brix
What: It is the day Omaha Hopheads have been waiting for! Lucky Bucket IPA bottles hit store shelves. Come visit Zac Triemert, owner & brewer of Lucky Bucket beers, and be the first in Omaha to buy a six-pack (or a case) of Lucky Bucket IPA. This IPA has been getting rave reviews on-tap, it is already considered one of the best (if not the best) IPA available in Nebraska. It is finally available in bottles!
More Details: Brix will be offering light snacks as well as free samples of Lucky Bucket IPA, special sales on six-packs and cases as well. Bottles of IPA will be for sale at the tasting center bar too. Mark your calendars now! The Lucky Bucket IPA Rollout Party cannot be missed!
More details to follow…
You can RSVP on Facebook at: Lucky Bucket IPA Rollout Party!
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