LAGER: Harp

Harp Irish Lager

I purchased this St. Patrick's Day to go with my In-Laws Corned Beef and Cabbage. It was a good choice. First I had picked up Guinness but decided for something lighter so I went with Harp's, which is made by the same company. Harp's is a great complement to this meal.

Harp is a bit heavier than the other lagers I have been sampling but this is a plus. Rich taste and a hearty aftertaste. First rate.

RATING: 8.5 out of 10

LAGER: Simpler Times

LAGER: Simpler Times

This smooth, non-threatening lager comes from Minhas Craft Brewery in Monroe, WI. I think the name suits it. I drank two without even thinking about it. The taste wasn't powerful nor was it dull. It was simply good. And with a 6.2% alcohol content it wasn't weak. Simpler Times as the potential to be a staple beer for the summer. I can imagine a batch chilling in a metal washtub in the shade on a hot, humid day.

RATING: 8 out of 10 from the bottle

LAGER: Estrella Damm

LAGER: ESTRELLA DAMM

This lager comes from Barcelona, Spain and I picked it up at Westborn Market's mix pak. I really like the idea of sampling a bunch of different beers. Especially when you've never had one before.

Interesting enough the brewer migrated from Germany in the 1870s to Barcelona and opened opened up this brewery. Estrella means star in Spanish and Damm was the his name.

I rather enjoyed it. It had a good taste, not too heavy, but not watered down. Overall a fine cerveza and a crisp lager. I wouldn't mind picking up a six pack.

RATING: 7.5 out of 10

LAGER: Stella Artois

LAGER: Stella Artois

Belgium's premium Lager does not mix well with Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. It had to be said. I've had Stella Artois before and I liked it well enough. But with this said Lenten meal it created havoc of the pallet. I would advise all to avoid this combination in the future.

Rating W/out Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: 6.5/10
Rating With Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: 3.5/10

BOCK: Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock

BOCK: Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock

From the Chippewa Falls, WI comes this very hearty bock with a rich, bold flavor. They say they blend pale roasted malted barley and selected hops to create what they state is a "robust bock with a thick creamy head." Using the word robust is immediately suspect in my book and I drank it straight from the bottle so I don't know if it truly has a rich creamy head. Still a beer rookie I would have to imagine if you like Bocks you know it and if you don't they might seem too bold and deep. My wife took a sip and said she didn't like it. I guessed that. I can't see having four or five of these in a sitting but if you are looking for one or two a night you can't go wrong. Perhaps while playing a round of Settler of Catan with nachos.

7 out of 10

LAGER: Shiner Bohemian Black Lager

LAGER: Shiner Bohemian Black Lager

From the Spoetzel Brewery in Shiner, TX comes this rich and very deep lager made from Czech Saaz and Styian hops. Not too heavy but definitely not light. This black lager packs a little bite, which I really enjoyed. I can't imagine having too many in a night but went down smooth while watching a little Lost.

8 out of 10

Thoughts?