In the past few years, this beer category, which used to be stereotyped as mass-produced, water-y fizz, has been gaining interest and even stealing some thunder from IPAs and imperial, barrel-aged ales. There’s more attention both on classic European lagers and lagers crafted in the United States. Here are some favorite lagers among craft brewers.
James Emmerson
Executive Brewmaster at Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River, Oregon
Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel is my favorite. The Monks have a way with Doppelbock! Brewed at the Kloster Andechs, it’s rich, malty, dense, and delicious, with aromas of figs and caramel, and a long clean finish. Of course, part of the experience is getting off the S-Bahn in Herrsching and making the trek up the “Heilige Berg” (Holy Mountain) to enjoy a Maß or two. When I studied in Munich, I drank there religiously.