Anyone who has ever been out with me and watched me order a
drink will tell you that there was a time when I only ordered a mild mixed
drink or one of the standard beers found in eateries across the country. However, lately I have found myself more and
more curious about the beer movement in Texas that seems to incase more than
Shiner Bock or Lone Star, but a wider, more varied pallet of flavors that
include agave nectar, honey, apples, citrus, chocolate, and pecans. I have seen
and continue to see the types expand as well; everything from wheat Belgian styled
beers to personal IPA’s to stouts that can run against some the oldest most renowned
brands out there. Is it any wonder though? Texas is BIG and so are the legacies
that reside here. The rich ethnic diversity makes beer and its production a
natural thing to happen, almost as natural as raising cattle for big juicy steak
(which goes great with a red Texas lager like the one by Pedernales Brewing’s,
Lobo). After all, Texas prides itself on being unique and what is coming out of
local breweries is that and then some.
In my journey to understand and build my taste for flavor
profiles, I have found that personally I do not care for heavy malts like the
ones in stouts but I also do not care for the hoppy bite of some of the paler
or blonde ales. My beers of choice usually are lagers which for me are rich but
also refreshing and are a great middle ground because they go with most foods. Just
like wines, examining, tasting, asking advice of a knowledgeable beer
professional and looking for a profile that not only will go well with certain
foods or personal tastes can be challenging since so many breweries are now
putting their spins on time honored recipes. However, if trying new things is
not an issue, the choices can be easy and finding that beer that is similar to
one’s favorite from Germany or even an American standard can be a pleasant
surprise.
Below is a list of some of the beers I have tried and a
short description of the flavor notes as well as recommended pairings. Try one,
or all, or even some I have yet to; the choices are almost as endless as the Texas
sky!
·
Lobo’s Red Texas Lager by Pedernales Brewing,
Fredericksburg, Texas: Yellow verging on red in color, This flavor profile
consists of light airy crisp citrus notes, followed by sweet grassy, fruity
undertones from the malt to help ease the bite of the hops and citrus. Can appear dense when pouring but
overall refreshing. Goes great with Steak, cat-fish and sea food.
·
Prickly Pear by Shiner Bock, Spoetzl Brewery,
Shiner, Texas: Yellow to green in color, pear comes through first and then
the citrus hops and the malt taste evens out the flavors. Refreshing, seasonal
beer would go great with lighter summer fare such as salads and grilled seafood
as well as lightly fried items like onion rings.
·
Blood and Honey by Revolver Brewery, Granbury,
Texas: Thick yellow pour with hints of allspice and blood orange zest
sweetened slightly by honey. A surprisingly light beer despite the honey notes
with the spices. Would pair well with Bbq-ed, grilled or smoked meats fresh off
a Texas pit.
·
Rio Blanco by Real Ale Brewing Company,
Blanco, Texas: A buttery English style, unfiltered pale ale with soft
grassy notes, which ends refreshingly with a crisp citrus undertone. Would pair
well with heavier dinner fare like roast beef or bison burgers or a rich cheese
platter.
·
Longhorn Blonde- Hill Country Golden Ale,
Bull Creek Brewing, Liberty Hill, Texas:
Coming on board recently, this ale is mildly malty, with a gentle
hop aroma making it a smooth and delicate ale. Would fair great with pork,
chicken, shrimp, salads, or light cheese platter featuring goat cheese and fruit.
