Wiedenmayer Jersey Lager---A Taste of "Joisey's " Past ReturnsAug 09 '05 (Updated Aug 15 '05) Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Spirits and Beers
The Bottom Line Wiedenmayer Jersey Lager is one for malt-fans more than for those seeking a hop kick. I will certainly drink it again.
I confess that I’m one beer drinker who is less brand loyal than most. Though I have my long-time favorites, I’m always ready to try something new. And, I am an equally firm believer in supporting local breweries and engaging in beer nostalgia where it’s warranted. Therefore, my beer cooler moments of choice can sometimes lead me off the beaten path or back home again. Such is the case with the reintroduction of Wiedenmayer Jersey Lager from the Wiedenmayer Brewing Company, located in Bedminster, NJ. Founded in 1879 and originally brewed in Newark, NJ by George W. Wiedenmayer, a German immigrant, the brewery went out of business during Prohibition, but not before reaching a production high of approximately 75,000 barrels. The family then went into the ice cream business. The brewery has now been remade by Chris M. Wiedenmayer, based on the family recipe (I believe he’s a grandson of the namesake). The beer is contract brewed by Olde Saratoga Brewing (Mendocino Brewing) in Saratoga Springs, NY. The alcohol by volume (ABV) rating is 5.2 percent according to www.ratebeer.com (though it is not included on bottle or the Wiedenmayer Web site). Taste Notes Wiedenmayer Jersey Lager pours to a nicely rounded amber color with a decent head that quickly dissipates. The beer is lightly carbonated. The glass emits a faint whiff of hops. It’s a nice looking beer. The taste is truly kind of sweet at first, almost buttery on the tongue and at back of palate. The finish is pleasant with a sweet-sour connotation, not so sour as to denote lack of freshness but more of a hint of dryness. The finish lacks the bitter hop bite that I anticipated, though there is a subtle change in flavor at the finish. Overall, I would state its taste profile (mouthfeel, etc.) is more to the sweet side of the taste spectrum. That said, I found the beer to be very drinkable and refreshing in dealing with the Jersey heat of the past few weeks; call them my “Jersey Lager Days,” if you will. Price Notes My one quibble with the reintroduction of Jersey Lager would be the price point of $7.99 seems a bit high, placing the beer in direct competition with the higher profile Sam Adams, another Amber Lager. Obviously, the idea is to market the beer as a niche product. More importantly, however, the lager shelf space is quite crowded, and the costs of introducing new product are high. And, $7.99 does seem to be representative at the higher end of the pricing scale. In exchanging an email with the brewer they noted that "Unfortunately, the cost of producing an old craft style brand of beer is a little more expensive, especially in the early stages. Hopefully the price won't be too much of a deterrent in the future." In a side by side comparison, the beer does compare favorably with Sam Adams up to a point. I think Sam’s has a bit more of a fuller and balanced taste profile. Wiedenmayer Jersey Lager is one for malt fans more than for those seeking a stronger hop kick. This lager actually strikes me as something approaching an Oktoberfest or Autumn beer, in that its taste is similar to that of an all malt concoction. It is described on the label as a Festival Beer so perhaps this is what they are aiming for all along. It’s not quite as hearty as an Oktoberfest beer, but it’s certainly close on the sweet scale. That said, it is a solid beer offering. I've found it to be highly drinkable, and I will certainly buy it again, more so if it goes on sale (3.5 stars). Note: The web site is still under development but does include a history of the beer, where to find it in NJ by zip code, and other information, including some recipes from the family archive. The brewery states the beer goes especially well with German or Latin themed dishes. I noted that there is a good recipe for Bratwurst on the site. At $7.99 a six, though, I would not consider this to be “Bratwash” however. [Bratwash refers to beer, as in the beer you simmer your brats in before grilling, and the beer you drink while grilling.] Normally, you may choose to simmer your brats in a cheaper beer and drink the one you like while grilling. But that’s just me. And, always remember; don’t ever squeeze your brats. Sources www.wiedenmayerbrewing.com.  |
| Read all comments (3)|Write your own comment |
|
Ads by Google
|
