As I continue to cross the oldest evaluations off the list I again come across another of my favorite breweries.  This is a good thing for me as a reminder that it has been a while since I have had a Shmaltz beer (though I have one waiting in the wine fridge).  This is another one from their Coney Island line of beers and does nothing to stop me from wanting to try the entire lineup.  As I have said before the labels and the names will get you to try the first one, but the product inside the bottle will keep you coming back.

Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Co. (Saratoga Springs, NY – based in San Francisco, CA)

Name: Human Blockhead Lager

Style: Premium American Lager (?)

ABV: 10.0%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge and served in a pilsner glass.

Aroma: Medium, slightly sweet malt with the slightest bit of hops.  Light nose overall (not at all overpowering).

Appearance: Deep amber color.  Two finger (plus) cream color head that dissipates very slowly with some trail (actually with heavy legs when drinking).  Very clear with rising bubbles visible.

Flavor: Malty with some hop bitterness (not too much).  Well-balanced components/flavors with a slight dryness at finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium body and pretty high carbonation that gives a slight bite on finish.  Smooth and creamy, having some viscosity to it.  High warmth (and maybe body) for a lager.

Overall Impressions: Very enjoyable experience, especially not knowing what to expect going in.  I am not sure that I would pin it as a lager right away in a blind tasting, as many characteristics are not necessarily typical to style (color, ABV, body).  Would certainly buy and drink again.  A really good beer and an excellent price point (as usual).

Grade: A-

Shmaltz Brewing Co. - Human Blockhead Lager

I will admit that the first beer from Shmaltz Brewing Co. that I purchased was because the label caught my eye.  The second, third, and every one since was because behind the really cool labels are some really good beers.  They got me hooked and it all started with a crazy smiling face.  I am sure their marketing department loves to hear that!

Since you will be seeing more Shmaltz reviews along the way, I should explain that they have two lines (for lack of a better word at this moment) of beer . . . HE’BREW Beer and Coney Island Craft Lagers.

Brewery: Shmaltz Brewing Co. (Saratoga Springs, NY – based in San Francisco, CA)

Name: (Coney Island) Freaktoberfest

Style: European Amber Lager / Oktoberfest . . . I think

ABV: 6.66%

Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge and served in a pilsner glass.  1 pint 6 oz for $4.99

Aroma: Moderate malt aroma with no real hop nose to speak of.  Very clean, as I would expect from a lager.

Appearance: Red, I am talking red velvet cake red.  I have never seen any beer close to that color (and haven’t since).  It does have a hint of copper color when held to light.  Has a two-finger, light red/pinkish head that dissipates slowly and leaves a pretty heavy trail.  Quite clear with visible rising bubbles.

Flavor: Smooth malty flavor prominent . . . more complex malt flavor than expected.  Slight sweetness with some hop flavor near the finish.  Finishes slightly dry with a touch of hop bitterness.  The balance leans to the malty side.

Mouthfeel: Medium body and medium level of carbonation.  It is smooth and creamy (for a lager especially) and has no lingering aftertaste.

Overall Impressions: Wow it is red!  An easy drinking, enjoyable beer and good value (another good thing about Shmaltz brews).  Higher in alcohol than typical in the style category.  Looking back, it’s not the best Shmaltz beer that I have tried, but still nice.

Grade: B (in that range)

Coney Island Freaktoberfest