Texas is known for many things. BBQ, good country music, hot weather, and apparently the best trout fishing on God’s green earth. Ha. But there is something else that should make that list. Beer.
I’m not talking about Lone Star Beer, which is what most people think of. I’m talking about Shiner.
The brewery, located in the small town of Shiner, can trace its history back to 1909, where it began life as the Shiner Brewing Association. A large part of Texas (including Shiner) was settled by German immigrants, and they brought a lot of their culture, food, and other tastes with them. Including beer. Shiner Brewing Association, which later became Shiner Beers, first introduced their trademark brew, Shiner Bock, in 1913. Since then it has been a perennial favorite and is not to be missed.
With a deep color, rich flavor and good taste, Shiner Bock is a great beer. We here on Chi Wulff have in the past beaten up on Texas a bit, but we know a good thing when we see (or drink) it. Drink this beer with dinner, sip it at a party, or enjoy it on a night on the town.
We’ve also found that it makes a wonderful cooking beer. Pour one into a pot of home cooked beans, use it in beer batter, or whatever recipe needs a brewski. One of my personal favorites is: Slice a bunch of mushrooms, and set them in a large pan with about 3/4 of a stick of butter. Once the butter melts and the mushrooms are well coated, add in a heaping spoonful of brown sugar and several generous splashes of Worcestershire sauce. Pour a Shiner Bock (or any dark beer) over the mix, and simmer until the beer has reduced to a rich, thick sauce. Best enjoyed spooned over a good steak. With another beer, of course.
Shiner Bock is not the only brew offered by Shiner. Their Shiner Blonde is a very popular choice. This was actually the original recipe that brewmaster Kosmos Spoetzl started with at the beginning. A lighter choice than the Bock, it’s a damn good choice on a hot summer day. Also check out the other offerings, including a black lager, a hefeweisen, a light Shiner and a couple more.
Shiner can be found in almost every state. Pop a top on one and you won’t be disappointed.
Tags: Thirsty Thursday
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Can’t see a Shiner Blonde without thinking of Yellowstoner – hope the sun’s shining in West today.
Love me some shiner. Lucky we get it here in AK! Was drinking a few last night while playing music (and thinking about how music playing is causing my blogging at Headwaters to seriously lapse!)
Rumor among the Texas beer snobs is that Shiner brews only one beer then alters it for varietals. Rahr, Real Ale And St. Arnold are worth a go.
Shannon, I for one appreciate the tip, and figure that no matter what the beer snobs say Shiner’s not a bad brew at all. Have heard good things about the St. Arnold in particular of late.