Shiner Bohemian Black Lager

Spoetzl Brewing Company
Shiner, Texas

APPEARANCE: 2.5/3
Essentially black - does have a slight reddish hint. Creamy head that rings the glass and lasts.

AROMA: 2.75/4
Clean, crisp, subtle roasted malt character. Very little hop aroma. A roasted nuttiness is present.

TASTE: 6.75/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 2.75/4: Sweet maltiness up-front. Very little hop, all malt.
Aftertaste: 2/3: Some roasted residual notes. Fades to a subtle roast bitterness. Very little hope bittering if at all.
Mouth-Feel: 2/3: Very light bodied. Very crisp. True lager feel.

OVERALL: 2/3: Very clean and crisp, with subtle roasty notes. A good session beer.

TOTAL: 14/20–I'll Try a Pint

NOTES:
Matt: A nice alternative to a standard lager. More hop bitterness would be nice.
Ben: A little on the light side, could use more body. But overall a good showing.

Shiner Marzen-Style Oktoberfest

Spoetzl Brewing Company
Shiner, Texas

APPEARANCE: 2.75/3
Nice white, creamy head. Light copper color. Very crisp and pretty.

AROMA: 3/4
Clean nose. Caramel notes. Little hop aroma.

TASTE: 7.75/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 3/4: Very malty with very little flavor hop. Cream corn - sweet. Caramel notes, brown sugar. Appropriate to style.
Aftertaste: 2.25/3: Crisp and clean. Fades to a subtle, bitter finish. Very dry.
Mouth-Feel: 2.5/3: Some tang at front. Effervescent. Dry.

OVERALL: 2/3: Very crisp, clean, and dry. Good showing for the style.

TOTAL: 15.5/20–Pour Me Another

NOTES:
Matt: Nice and clean. Malty and dry. A very nice Fall beer.
Ben: A true Oktoberfest done well. Could use a bit more bittering hop.