Beer Alert: Bright German Radlers And Dark Ales

American Craft Beer|June 2nd, 2022|

(Courtesy Ecliptic Brewing)

June is ON and American craft brewers are addressing things with a full slate of new beers you’re gonna want to chase down.

Maibock Moon (Portland, OR) – In celebration of Ecliptic Brewing’s newest location, the Moon Room, a small batch venue specifically engineered for lagering, the brewery has introduced the Moon Room Series, an exceptional line of beers showcasing the world’s most interesting lagers.

The fourth beer in the series and a style traditionally brewed in May, Ecliptic Moon Room Series: Maibock is a balanced 7.4% ABV German Style Lager with a more robust hop profile and a drier finish than most Bock beers. The Maibock style is an update of the Bock style to conform to the popularity of Pilsner/Lager beers in the mid- to late-1800s, or a stronger version of the German Helles or “light-colored” beer (aka Heller Bock).

(Courtesy Paulaner USA / Twitter)

100% Natural (White Plains, NY) – Paulaner USA has an interesting summer variation on the Radler, a half-beer, half-fruit soda blend that was invented by a German innkeeper, Franz Kugler as a refreshment that catered to sports cyclists back in the roaring 20s.

The popularity of the Radler (also called a Shandy in the US) spread throughout Europe and has found its own rabid following here in the states. Many think that German brewers craft the best Radlers and Paulaner USA’s new 16oz offering is one of the best we’ve tried.

Natural, fruity, but thankfully not to sweet, Paulaner Grapefruit Radler is a 2.5% ABV refresher composed of 50% Münchner Lager, an uber-smooth lager that’s delicious to begin with, and 50% all natural grapefruit juice.

Half Moon (Saint Louis, MO) – Schlafly Beer has a new small batch release that’s exclusive to the brewery’s summertime Patio Pack. A taproom favorite, which is currently available in cans, Schlafly Half Moon Mild is an approachable 3.8% ABV Dark Ale with a light body and malt forward flavor.