We have to give the Germans credit for making due. When they immigrated to the United States and began brewing their beer, they did so with limited resources. American six-row barley had higher tannins and protein content then the European two-row pilsner malt that they were accustomed to using for their beer.
They didn’t have access to the fine Bavarian hops that were used to brew the beer they way they used to. When in America, use American ingredients. This is how a popular German style beer became "Americanized".
To offset the many factors that the American six-row barley created, the incorporation of adjuncts such as corn was used. This gave the beer its characteristic light color and flavor. Six-row barley also has a higher sulfur profile that gives the beer a character of light sulfur in the nose. This character is acceptable for style and is referred to as D.M.S. The long word for it is di-methylsulfide.
If you here ones saying that the beer in Germany is different: It is!
What the Germans gave to us in an effort to brew their beer is truly American.
With the industrial revolution came the thermometer, the hydrometer, the isolation of yeast species, mass transportation, steam engines, and an agricultural revolution. Beer production was an industry.
Then there was the war. Apparently, rationing valuable grain meant a product that was not as strong as the Germans were used to making. As a result of all the flux with the availability of grain selection and the rationing, then industrialization, we get American Standard Lager.
American Standard Lager is a tad bit darker in color. It is a tad bit hoppier. Some varieties may be as much as 15 IBU’s but that is just at the threshold of bitterness that can be perceived by the average Jack and Jill. American Standard Lager can be between 4.2-5.1 % alcohol by volume.
Lagers are a very refreshing, effervescent. They will always be a great complement to any food because of the neutral aromas and flavors of the beer. It is a beer that allows the food to be the main player during your dinner. Cheesy foods and foods with cream sauce also work well with these beers.
This year the microbreweries that took awards for their beer at the 2008 California State Fair for this category are:
Beerman’s- Lincoln Lager
Eel River Brewing Co.- Climax Organic Microlight
Sudwerk’s- Sudwerk Lager
Although they may be listed as light lagers, the alcohol content puts them in this category:
These microbreweries distribute widely throughout the area and if you can’t make it to the brewery then you should be able to get it at your local supermarket or fine beverage store.
About the picture.
The above picture is a visual example of the difference between 6 an 2 row barley. 6 row barley is one the left.
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