Märzen-style beers have been brewed in some form or another throughout Europe since the early days of beer. Though more commonly associated with Germany, due to the beer’s association with Oktoberfest, these “March” beers were often made in many regions during the spring, then stored (lagered) in cool caves, and consumed throughout the summer while brewing operations ceased due to the risk of bacterial infection. The remaining beer would eventually be consumed in early fall, before the start of the new brewing season. In 1810, the first Oktoberfest celebration occurred in Munich, in the Bavarian region of southern Germany, to commemorate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig I. In 1841, Munich’s Spaten Brewery unveiled what is considered to be the original Oktoberfestbier Märzen, and the annual celebration would incorporate the style as the primary beer consumed during the festival.

Many American versions of Oktoberfest beers are more closely related to Vienna lagers than Bavarian Märzens, though both are brewed to celebrate the festival and season by breweries around the world. While the two styles are both historically and technically very similar, Vienna lagers tend to be paler, drier, and have a touch of bitterness often missing from the Munich-style brews. Traditional Märzens are generally more amber in color, full-bodied, maltier, and a tad sweet.

Though it is tough to live up to the lofty standards of certain Märzen classics from breweries like Ayinger and Hacker-Pschorr, Saint Arnold Icon Red Märzen is the closest thing to a true Märzen I’ve tasted in a domestic version. 100% Munich malt is used, along with Perle and Hersbruker hops from the Hallertauer region just outside of Munich. They also incorporate the classic brewing method of decoction mashing, where part of the mash is removed, boiled, and returned to the main mash. This creates more caramelization of the malt, and leads to a greater depth of character in the flavor. The practice is laborious, and few modern breweries integrate it into their brewing process, as standard malts tend to be well modified, making decoction generally unnecessary. Saint Arnold also uses the method in their 5 O’Clock Pils, with great results.

Saint Arnold Icon Red Marzen | Photo: Tim Spies for Houston Beer Guide

The Icon Red Märzen pours light amber in color, and a high level of aggression might reward you with some transient foam. But typically, don’t expect a lot of lasting head on this beer. No worries. Just enjoy the nose and move on. Aromas of toasted bread and nuts, with a touch of caramel sweetness can be wafted your way with the slightest swipe of your hand. Or just plunge your entire face right on in and enjoy the full effect. Your senses will relish the many layers of malt. But, a touch of floral hops can be sought-out by the most discerning of noses. Upon taking your initial sip, the first thing you notice is the superb mouthfeel. It is well rounded, refreshing, and fulfilling. And unlike many domestic versions, it won’t abandon your mouth to a super dry finish, forcing a lingering bitterness on your tastebuds. Instead, you want to dive right back in, ignoring the somewhat high (but standard for the style) 5.9% ABV that later could lead to a few questionable decisions; probably karaoke. This desire to hastily consume is further encouraged by the delicious flavors that match the nose’s tease: toasted malt, a light touch of caramel sweetness, and a complexity often abandoned by the quaffable intentions of milquetoast brewers everywhere.

The results of the arduous decoction method, and the commitment to quality ingredients and execution, separate the Saint Arnold Icon Red Märzen from many of the other domestic Märzens I’ve “enjoyed” to this point in my professional drinking career. I can’t recall a lager offering so much, while still remaining consistent and drinkable throughout the entire pour. Too often, beers of varying complexity can weigh on your palate’s loyalty like a good friend on a brutally long road trip; the first few sips may be great, but by the end of the pour you’re more than ready to move on. But with Saint Arnold Icon Red Märzen, you will almost certainly enjoy your experience throughout and plan your next endeavor upon completion (and it will likely be another Icon Red). It is undeniably a beer not to be missed.

The Details:

Original Gravity: 1.0575
Final Gravity: 1.0144
ABV: 5.84%
IBU: 21
Malts: Munich
Hops: Perle and Hersbrucker
Available thru December

The post Saint Arnold Icon Red Märzen – A Perfect Companion for Fall Festivities first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Saint Arnold Icon Red Märzen – A Perfect Companion for Fall Festivities appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

This year’s list of collaborators is an exciting who’s-who of both American craft breweries and international standouts. It has garnered a lot of attention from the greater beer community, especially here locally in Houston. Among those selected, Houston’s own Saint Arnold Brewing was invited to participate for the first time; a great honor for a brewery that, like many others, was heavily influenced by the groundbreaking work of Sierra Nevada.

Photo courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

The beer that Saint Arnold and Sierra Nevada ultimately decided on is a dry-hopped Berliner Weisse. The base Berliner style is nothing new to Saint Arnold, as they have been brewing one in Boiler Room (now with the addition of raspberries, reinvented as Raspberry AF) for a few years. But a dry-hopped version is a unique twist on this lightly tart, refreshing wheat beer. When discussing the decision process involved, Saint Arnold brewing operations manager Stephen Rawlings had this to say:

“When we first got the call to do Beer Camp, we went through a lot of discussions trying to decide what beer we wanted to brew and we asked ourselves a lot of questions: ‘What kind of beer exemplifies Saint Arnold?’, ‘How can we combine the best parts of Saint Arnold with the best parts of Sierra Nevada?’, ‘How can we really stand out in this 12-pack that includes many of the best breweries in the world?’ We ultimately decided on the Berliner Weisse because, despite being a traditional style, it can be a technically challenging beer to brew and we have always prided ourselves on being able to execute any brew (as does Sierra Nevada).”

Stephen went on to describe the brewing process and how they worked to achieve the best combination of the two breweries:

“…we decided on using the Kellerweis yeast with their open fermenters to really blow out the hefe flavor. To really put that Sierra stamp on this beer we knew we had to dry-hop this beer with the Torpedo (a specially designed perforated cylinder for dry-hopping Sierra Nevada beers). Amarillo was the most logical choice from both an aroma and Texas standpoint.”

The unfortunate reality with the beers created and produced in Beer Camp is that aside from a few select options, most will only exist this one time. I asked Saint Arnold about any possible plans to recreate the beer or something similar at some point in the future. Stephen had this to say:

“We will probably let this beer have its life and that may be the end of it. This whole process has certainly gotten plenty of wheels turning, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see something in the same vein at some point down the road.”

When asked about the general takeaways regarding the entire process, and what it was like to work on such a special project, Saint Arnold founder and owner Brock Wagner had this to say:

“Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was an influence on the recipe of our Amber Ale, so we all felt truly honored to be able to be a part of Beer Camp Across the World. When Sierra first asked if we wanted to be a part of this collaboration, the only answer was ‘YES!’  We would have been crazy not to do it. Getting an up-close look at everything Sierra does is an inspiration, and take-away for any brewery regardless of size or age.”

Beer Camp boxes are available right now and cost around $25. For a full list of this year’s breweries and beers, click here: http://www.beercamp.sierranevada.com/beers/

The post Saint Arnold Goes Camping With Sierra Nevada first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Saint Arnold Goes Camping With Sierra Nevada appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Rockwell has been under current ownership since 2010. During that time they built themselves into one of the premier craft beer-centric bar/ restaurants in the Cypress area. Many beer nerds, including myself, found Rockwell a welcome addition to an area that could still be somewhat described as a craft beer desert. Despite an increase in craft availability and demand throughout the region, none has been as craft beer centric and focused as Rockwell.

I personally discovered Rockwell in 2012 as the big craft boom truly kicked into the fervor we now know. And though I had been drinking craft for several years prior, Rockwell helped introduce me to an even greater number of breweries, especially many up-and-coming local options like Karbach, No Label, and Buffalo Bayou.

Along with a rotating selection of great local, national, and international brews, Rockwell maintained a quality menu, supported mostly by an assortment of delicious burgers. This helped to anchor the business for several years in an area where craft beer growth has been a bit slower than other parts of the greater Houston region. Rockwell was one of the first locations in the area to offer beer to go, including growler fills. They were also one of the only restaurants to allow frequent bottle shares, including one I personally have participated in for over three years.

I reached out to the owner, Tiffany Richie, regarding the unfortunate news:

“We have made the decision to close Rockwell. We have struggled with various elements throughout the year and our landlord’s indifference to do his part to remedy ongoing maintenance issues was the scale-tipping factor. Maintenance and environment quality have become so compromised that we feel it has become an impairment of our core values of fresh quality food, great craft beer, and outstanding customer experience. We love all of our customers and will miss interacting with everyone on every level. Our involvement with the craft beer community over the past five plus years has been extremely rewarding and we look forward to continued love and support.”

When asked about her thoughts on the craft beer market in the Cypress area,Tiffany had this to say:

“We have seen local craft beer growth even in the wake of economic downturn. I think people are still excited to support local independent brewers and try new beers. Our friends at the local breweries are turning out some of the best, most consistent beers we have seen and they will continue to be dynamic players in the industry. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish. The craft beer community is part of our family and we will continue to stay involved.”

Regarding their future,Tiffany hinted at a very exciting project in the works:

“…we are partnering with our friend, Eddie Jackson (winner 2015 Next Food Network Star, BBQ Blitz, Kids BBQ Championship), on a project at his upcoming Rosehill Beer Garden. We will release further details closer to launch. If you are a craft beer fan in the Northwest Houston/ Harris County area, you will not be disappointed.”

As a BBQ and beer fan, I am excited at the potential in this.

Rockwell was certainly one of the highlights in an area desperate for a true craft beer bar. They will be missed.

The post Rockwell Grill is Closing first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Rockwell Grill is Closing appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Starting this Friday, you will finally be able to unlock an Untappd badge by enjoying beers from a brewery right here in Houston. The “Patron Saint of Hops” badge will showcase Saint Arnold Brewery’s delicious collection of hoppy beers, and from April 22 – May 22 you will be able to unlock it. To earn this highly coveted honor, check into any two of the following four hoppy Saint Arnold beers: Endeavour Double IPA, Elissa IPA, Art Car IPA, and the new Icon Green 7220 Pale Ale (due to arrive next week).

For far too long, regional Untappd badges have eluded the Houston area (and Texas, for that matter). But now we finally have a badge that we get to call our own. Untappd co-founder, Greg Avola, pointed out some very interesting and noteworthy numbers regarding the Houston craft beer Untappd market: “Houston is the 15^th highest area in the world on Untappd in the last 30 days, and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase one of its most popular breweries.” These are very telling numbers and reveal just how impressive the Houston craft beer market is. Greg further emphasized the novelty, “we are excited to work with our first brewery from Texas for a badge.”

Untappd has been a very successful and highly useful app, helping to draw thousands of craft beer newbies and veterans alike deeper into the welcoming arms of its community. On HBG, it’s guided the beer rankings, for example. Badges have always been a fun way to lead drinkers to new options or to simply revisit and enjoy ones they already have come to love. And as a self-proclaimed “badge-hunter” I look forward to unlocking this one while enjoying some of the best local hoppy brews available.

Check out the untappd write-up for more info!

The post The Patron Saint of Hops (Saint Arnold and Untappd team up to release Houston’s first beer badge!) first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post The Patron Saint of Hops (Saint Arnold and Untappd team up to release Houston’s first beer badge!) appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Saint Arnold Brewing’s new Icon Blue is a nice addition to an already great series. A coffee porter full of flavor, yet light enough to enjoy casually (and now available in six-packs!).

Saint Arnold’s first-ever coffee beer was made by adding over 45 lbs. of ground espresso from local roasters, Java Pura Coffee, to a light porter developed by brewer Eddie Gutierrez. As noted on the Saint Arnold website, “adding ground coffee rather than brewed makes the finished beer fruitier and more aromatic. The fresh, raw coffee aroma we were seeking illustrates why using a high quality coffee is important. The result of all this is Icon Blue, a medium bodied porter with a balance of chocolate, roast and coffee flavors. There is a mild sweetness that is balanced by both the coffee and the combination of Bravo and Willamette hops.”

Neither the coffee nor the base beer dominates this well-balanced brew, though both are certainly present. The nose reveals light coffee roast, along with chocolate, earthy notes, and a touch of hops. The mouthfeel is medium bodied at best. And though it may be a tad thin for my liking, it serves this particular beer well as a nice casual drinker, suitable for many occasions. The flavors are a well-mixed assortment of coffee, chocolate, leathery notes, sweetness, and even a touch of peanut butter. A clean finish and medium-light body will have you knocking this one back a tad faster than you probably should.

For those who crave huge coffee flavor, you might find this one a little lacking. But if you’re like me and prefer a nice balance, where the coffee is present but not overpowering, then this beer is for you. Smooth and easy-drinking with lots of great flavor, Icon Blue Coffee Porter is not to be missed.

Saint Arnold’s decision to switch the Icon series from four-packs to six-packs while keeping the price the same is another great reason to seek this one out (and those still to come). More beer for the same price? Yes, please!

The post Saint Arnold Icon Blue Coffee Porter Review first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Saint Arnold Icon Blue Coffee Porter Review appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

Pumpkin has a distinct place in American beer history. I’ll bore you with a very brief history lesson. Pumpkin was often used in colonial times in lieu of malt, which could be scarce, as shipments from Europe were expensive and more difficult to come by. Pumpkin contains fermentable sugars, which are obviously necessary to brew, so it was used for its alcohol making abilities, not its taste. Today, most pumpkin beers are more akin to liquid pumpkin pie than to those early gourd-based beverages.

While most pumpkin beers today contain a well-pronounced spice profile that tends to dominate the nose and palate, there is a wide-range of varying base styles available. Here in Houston, we are lucky to have an assortment of these options accessible to us, and not just from breweries outside our borders. The following are four bottled selections you are likely to find on the shelves around town, made by local breweries, and each unique and tasty in its own way. (This is not a ranking. Order is in no way an endorsement of one option over another. Try them all!)

Karbach Krunkin Pumpkin

Available in four-pack, 12 oz. cans

7.9-8.5% ABV (depending on vintage)

Karbach Brewing’s Krunkin Pumpkin has been an annual fall release since 2012. Though there has been some variation from year to year, the recipe has been honed-in and is quite delicious. Coming in under 9% ABV makes this one of the more “casually drinkable” options of the four I will cover in this article. Of course I am being a bit facetious. But I do find this to be a great late-afternoon porch option, rather than a dessert beer, which most pumpkin beers tend to be.

A delectable balance of sweet malt, pumpkin, spices, and hops, all dancing in aromatic unison. This year’s rendition was the freshest I’ve had, being lucky enough to find cans only a few days old. This allowed me to enjoy the play of the well-pronounced hops as they worked in harmony with the other wonderful aromas, rather than being masked by the spices. Taking a sip you first notice the caramel sweetness of the malt, followed by hints of pumpkin, a solid amount of clove and allspice, and finish with a sweet almond extract-like flavor new to me in this beer, which added greatly to the already complex yet balanced flavor profile. And while this beer has all the key elements you expect in a pumpkin pie flavored beverage, it never takes you so far away that you forget it is beer. The hops and malt provide the foundation of this delightfully spiced amber.

No Label Nightmare On 1^st Street

Available in 22 oz. Bombers

9.3% ABV

A true hit and part of the Off Label specialty series, No Label’s Nightmare On 1^st Street was one of the best beers (period) to come from the Houston area last year. Well-received and highly sought after, this one did not sit on shelves for very long last year. (You should have no trouble finding it this year, as it is plentiful.)

Incredibly complex, yet superbly balanced, this beer presents you with many great flavors. A malty, sweet background with pumpkin and the standard spices present; allspice, clove, nutmeg. And though I did not pick up as much cinnamon and ginger as others have, they are both assuredly present. But to me, no particular spice stands out much above any other; they have found a possibly perfect, harmonious combination.

Another element that makes this beer great is that it creates a nostalgic and tangible homage to Halloween. The aroma is like a candle, but without the artificial presence that other, lesser pumpkin beers sometimes impart. Along with the spices and pumpkin, I taste sugary sweet caramel corn and candy. Whimsical memories of fall carnivals and trick-or-treating walk along with me as I enjoy this great concoction.

I was lucky enough to find a couple of extra bottles last year to age. Recently I opened one to see how a year had treated it. All the key flavors were there, and still in balance. However, some overall fading had occurred, and I can’t say it was improved by aging. A little shouldn’t hurt, too much, but I suggest drinking it now to fully appreciate the spices. Like most brews, Nightmare is intended to be enjoyed fresh.

Buffalo Bayou Pumpkin Spice Latte

Available in 22 oz. Bombers

9% ABV

Like Nightmare On 1^st Street, this is the second year for this fall selection. And while Nightmare is my Halloween beer, Buffalo Bayou’s Pumpkin Spice Latte is now my Thanksgiving (and probably Christmas) beer. Taking one of my favorite holiday beers, Gingerbread Stout, Buffalo Bayou mashes in pumpkin and then ages it on coffee beans.

The aroma and taste are in unison: pumpkin, spice, sweet cream, toasted notes, and a touch of coffee. These flavors all work together delightfully to give you the closest experience to actually eating a piece of pumpkin pie topped with Cool Whip, while drinking a cup of coffee, after a big Thanksgiving meal. I adore this beer for being able to put me in that moment, and for its great execution of flavors working wonderfully together. Buffalo Bayou has a knack for creating complex experiences with many of their beers. This is another great example.

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator

Available in 22 oz. Bombers

10% ABV

Certainly the most sought-after and highly coveted of the Houston pumpkin beers, Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is an imperial pumpkin stout that has built a large following, creating an almost mad fervor that drives people into stores every October, sometimes to buy cases at a time. (Important note: Pumpkinator will be released Monday, October 19^th. It does not stay on shelves for very long, so grab a bottle or six while you can.)

Released originally as number 9 in Saint Arnold’s Divine Reserve series, this beer has captivated beer drinkers of all types since 2009. Both pumpkin beer haters and lovers have found common ground with this one, as it tends to have a relatively small pumpkin presence (compared to others), and is dominated mostly by spices over a fantastic imperial stout base. Loads of cinnamon and other pumpkin pie spices almost overwhelm both your nose and tongue. Graham cracker sits underneath, giving this one a cinnamon cereal quality. Pumpkin, toasted notes, molasses, and dark fruit flavors come out as it warms. A complex and wonderful beverage, perfect for cooler weather and holiday gatherings.

For those that wish to seek out more pumpkin flavor, a more prominent stout presence, or maybe just a little less spice, aging this one can do all of these things. But the prominent flavors are strong and will remain mostly intact for years, allowing this one to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Love them or hate them, pumpkin beers are here to stay. Go out and find one you like. Cheers!

The post 2015 Pumpkin Beer Roundup first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post 2015 Pumpkin Beer Roundup appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.

I moved to Houston in 2001 after seeing most of my college friends disperse across the country. Contacts faded and new friends became difficult to find, despite a plethora of people covering this vast metropolis. One of my good college friends that did live in the area invited me to join a monthly poker game he attended with a couple of his brothers-in-law and their friends. I jumped at the chance because, if nothing else, I am a degenerate. It seems funny to say, but these encounters over the next couple of years redirected my life down a path I continue to follow this day.

A couple of the poker players I met were home brewers. Several of them were craft beer enthusiasts. Sitting around the table, losing and winning hordes of mad cash (nickels) throughout the night, I learned a lot about home brew and craft. I tasted beers that opened up an expansive new world of flavors. I discovered a beverage I truly connected with; accessible to all, wide-ranging in its divergence, a great conversation center-point, and an excellent excuse for congregation. I enjoyed learning and the people that educated me just as much as I enjoyed drinking the tasty infusions. Maybe the most important thing I took away from those early encounters was that craft beer had a community unlike any other spirit I had tried. Sure, wine and liquor have passionate enthusiasts and communities of their own. But I’ve never found one as welcoming and disparate as craft.

One beer that stood out to me was as regular at our poker games as me losing. A beer many share a connection with, as it is often one of the initial catalysts propelling people in the Houston-area into craft: Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s Fancy Lawnmower. I doubt I need to go into its tasting notes and just how much this beer has helped to influence and redirect many people’s palates. But, to put it simply, Lawnmower is a beer that ANYONE can enjoy. A simple yet flavorful, refreshing and light concoction that is welcoming enough for anyone to try, without being so foreign to one’s palate that it is immediately rejected for its differences. Though my tastes have grown and changed over many years of craft beer drinking, I still buy and enjoy this brew regularly. Lawnmower spiked my curiosity about just what beer could really taste like. It led me to Saint Arnold’s other options: Amber, Texas Wheat (R.I.P), Brown Ale (now Ale Wagger), and Elissa IPA. These beers helped create a foundation that branched out to a multitude of styles from all around the world. A path that you could say was cleared by a Lawnmower.

Continuing on this trail over the past few years, I have followed the growth of the craft beer industry and all the marvels that have come from it. Where I once struggled to find people of common interest, I now make new friends regularly through the gathering power of this wondrous elixir. I was welcomed into the Houston beer community with open arms and have met numerous people I now consider good friends. Many of these people are as rich and complex in character as the beers we share. They are as interesting and varied as the copious craft selections that now line the shelves of countless stores. And despite the fact that many of us may be polar opposites in certain facets of our lives, we are brought together, and enjoy each other’s company, through our connection and commitment to craft.

Beer is social. Beer is people. Beer is good. Not my words, nor are they new. Just true words worth repeating.

The post Beer, Poker, and Lawnmowers first appeared on Houston Beer Guide.

The post Beer, Poker, and Lawnmowers appeared first on Houston Beer Guide.