The Bar Towel

This is a legendary name in beer annals and I've always thought the canned version we get could be better, could live up better to the original. We have seen, too (in the past), a locally brewed version, but the current one at LCBO (and for some time) is a Munich import.

Generally I have found it so-so at best but I noticed at LCBO today a can with a production date of January 1 of this year. I am interpreting since the date (unlike on the Hockley Gold I mentioned) is actually an expiration date (Januray 1, 2008), but I infer that the latter is 12 months after canning.

In any case this Lowenbrau is excellent. It has none of the "stinky can" taste that afflicts some overaged Euro beers: the freshness really shows its stuff, it allows the spicy yet round qualities of a Munich helles to shine through without being off-set or warped by sitting around too long on the shelf.

It is, withal, a very nice, all-malt European beer showing the quality I expect of the marque. More than ever I am impressed with the results of drinking a very fresh beer.

Gary

I'm certainly guilty of ignoring these euro-lagers. I'm sure I tried it years ago (before the Spaten take-over?)... but I should certainly revisit it. Perhaps when the weather is a little warmer.

Their Triumphator doppelbock is quite good, so they're certainly capable brewers!

In past years, most Euro beers could not be bought here under 6 months of age and often more. Today, that can be abridged to 60 days or even less. Freshness really does make a difference.

Gary

Lowenbrau, after their franchise brewing disaster, Lowenbrau (original) is all brewed at a single facility in Munich...it is arguably the original Munich helles...I buy the odd six from time to time if I see it fresh dated. It has a mellow malty character with herbal noble hopping....very smooth helles. I prefer Hacker-pschorr edelhell but Lowenbrau will do in a pinch.

BTW speaking of German imports and the varying freshness we get from them on retail shelves, I had an opportunity to sample some draft Stiegl yeasterday and when fresh this Salzburg golden lager is as flavorful as you could want from a helles lager....the musty-herbal nobels hit you right off and the malting is gloriously bready...not so in the canned versions I have sampled from TBS. They seem ...not stale but lacking.

I agree, I had a draft Stiegl recently downtown and it was great, with a steely, spicy, herbal character. A quality flavour and appetizing.

Gary

Tap Siegl is becoming a favorite session lager with me....I'm surprised at the freshness of the draft version..it seems relatively fresh no matter where you see it. on tap.