August Schell Sampler Pack

The Sampler Pack is one of the treats offered by breweries during the holidays. August Schell offers this fine collection of 6 beers for the price of their six-packs and the choices are all worth while.

Schell Pilsner-Nice floral hop presence with malty balance. This beer would go nicely up against the Czech pilsners that abound the marketplace. 4.5 out of 5

Schell Pale Ale-All hops all the time bouquet with nice balance. This pale ale is easy drinking and well flavored and I would get more but there is another favorite of mine in this same six pack. 4.5 out of 5

Schell Octoberfest- While well done, this Octoberfest does for me what most all of them do. I am not enthused by all the spices. Nice malt presence and all prominent hop presence. This one is well done, just not my cup of tea. 4 out of 5

Schell Firebrick-Mellow lager with sweet maltiness that makes me want more. 4.5 out of 5

Schell Caramel Bock- Coffee dark color, rich head. Coffee, toffee, chocolate flavors blend for my favorite beer by August Schell. This one is a special treat. 5 out of 5

Snowstorm- I tried this beer a few years ago and did not like it. I read on the bottle that the recipe changes every year for the brew master to do creative things. This one is Belgian influenced and comes off really potent and tasty. Tingly rich flavors bounce off the tongue, dried fruit and sweetness with good hop balance. 5 out of 5

Yuengling Traditional Lager Original Amber Beer

This beer, brewed by the oldest brewery in the United States, is smooth, potent, delicious and will give you one hell of a headache if you drink nine of them. You will suffer, and deservedly so. Nicely done amber beer. Very drinkable and just a look of the bottle tells me that this recipe has been around longer than the petrified crap between Morty Vareberg's teeth. This is a beer that I take one sip and then the bottle is half empty. Sweet, malty smelling, with a mild hop flash on the back of the tongue at the silky finish. I love this beer and they do not sell it in North Dakota. I am waiting however.

4.25 out of 5 points...this beer is an original and highly recommended.

Shiner Bavarian Style Amber Limited 98 Edition

Shiner is without a doubt, my "when I am in Texas, I will be drinking this", beer. I have always enjoyed shiner bock and have never encountered shiner premium beer or any other "regular" beer. As you may have read, I reviewed Shiner and feel that I was fair with it and its evaluation. Well, this is not Shiner Bock.

This is the brew that commemorates 98 years in the brewing business. I like it, with its more assertive hop flavor and its rather crisp, sweet finish. I will pick it up when ever I see it or Shiner Bock. They drink just fine and are a treat to me when I get down here to Texas. I just feel that this beer could be more assertive. After all, it is 98 years. Why not brew something world class that would stun people. I hope that Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas decides to throw caution to the wind and just brew it. This beer however has a nice head and is not bad in the body department and I would recommend it. Because it is good.

3.75 out of five points...next time just go to Bavaria and brew the stuff you drink while there. E