Day 49, Feb 18 / Shiner Dortmunder Spring Ale

Day 49 / February 18

Shiner Dortmunder Spring Ale

Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner TX

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You just gotta love Shiner!  It’s classic Americana.  Shiner beers are brewed by the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner TX, about 90 minutes from either Austin or San Antonio.  Every drop of Shiner is brewed in Shiner.

What started as a small, regional brewery has grown into a somewhat hip, nationally distributed brand, with year round and seasonal beers that are consistently refreshing.

The brewery has a rich heritage, started by German immigrants in 1909, and the many of the current employees are descendants of the original employees.  The people of Shiner, TX are as much a part of the beer as the ingredients (yeah, that sounds a little gross, but it’s true). 

In 2004, a short documentary called “Something’s Brewing in Shiner” was released, about the release of a mysterious new beer.  All of the residents of Shiner were invited to try and comment on the new beer before it was released.  The folks in this video are just good people.  Click the picture to view the trailer.

The Spoetzl Brewing Company turned 100 in 2009 – in the years leading up to their anniversary they released a specialty brew each year to commemorate their heritage.  The tradition has continued past the anniversary.

• Shiner 96 — Märzen/Oktoberfest Ale
• Shiner 97 — Bohemian Black Lager
• Shiner 98 — Bavarian Style Amber
• Shiner 99 — Munich Style Helles Lager
• Shiner 100 Commemorator — Starkbier
• Shiner 101 — Czech-style Pilsner
• Shiner 102 — American Style Double Wheat Ale

Shiner Dortmunder Spring Ale is their Spring seasonal.  The same beer was actually released last year under the name Shiner Frost.  It’s a light colored, extremely refreshing beer, more of a pilsner or lager taste than an ale.  However, you can definitely taste the hop flavor.  This is a very crisp beer, it would be great on a warm day.