Shiner 100 Commemorator by Spoetzl Brewery $7.48 per six-pack
The little brewery in Shiner, Texas, marks its 100th birthday this year with a doppelbock, a variation on its flagship Shiner Bock that’s richer and carries a bigger punch. It’s as smooth as it can be, a transparent brown pour with a minimal off-white head that quickly disappears; lacing is nonexistent, but don’t let that put you off. This somewhat bready brew is strong on toasted caramel malt and light on hops, in both aroma and taste, but the sweetness never crosses over into treacle. Light carbonation and medium-light body give it supreme drinkability. Hand it to Shiner for taking what they do well and stepping it up a notch for the brewery’s centennial. Alcohol by volume of 6.7 percent, on the light side for a doppelbock.
Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner, Texas;
Marcus Chamberland
