Favorite Beer – Gose

gose_glassBayerischer Bahnhof Original Leipziger Gose
A Traditional Ale brewed by
Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei Bayerischer Bahnhof
Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
Leipziger Gose is a top-fermenting wheat beer {60% wheat, 40% barley malt} with coriander, salt, and lactic acid bacteria added in the boil. As the name implies, the Gose originates from the city of Goslar. It is a 4.6% alc/vol eclectic beer whose name evokes a close relationship to the renowned Lambic/Geuze breweries in Belgium. Only the short supplies in the German Democratic Republic put an end to the exotic beer. Surprisingly the Gose had its renaissance before the German reunification and has been brewed at the train station in Leipzig since 2000.  I had this beer on tap in 2006 and it was spectacular.  Bottles in the states are easier to come by but have not been as good.  It is too delicate a beer to travel.

Brooklyn Brewing

I visited this wonderful Williamsburg brewery in May of ’08.  Another great story of a guy with a dream and here they are in 2009 as one of the top 40 breweries in the country.  Pennant Pilsner is great but my favorite is the Local 1.  You should check out their book, “Beer School.”Brooklyn beer line-up

Ninkasi

Ninkasi Brewing is located in Eugene, OR, and has been brewing high quality beers, in the Northwest style, since 2006. The Eugene location gives regional access to some of the highest quality brewing ingredients in the world, including pure cascade mountain water from the McKenzie River, Eugene’s sole municipal water source, and hops from the Pacific Northwest. Our focus is on flavorful, balanced beers, and we enjoy what we do. We are solely a production brewery, which allows us to fully devote our resources to creating the best beer possible. The overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received since or inception makes us very happy to be brewing in a region where people love great beer.ninkasi

Drink Locally

I urge all of you out there to keep supporting your local brewery. I know that alot of people are on “economic hold” ( Count me in that group) but if I you have a favorite brew, and it’s from the little brewery down the street, then you better keep buying it. Otherwise it might not be there the next time. Same goes for your local pub. You don’t need to do it all yourself. Let your circle of beer loving friends know about your favorite place or a new place near them.

I will start. If you are in the Los Angeles area here are two great places to try….

Laurel Tavern in Studio City

The York in Highland Park

My Top 10 Beers

In no particular order….
Gose bier from Bayerischer Banhof in Leipzig
Ruby Ale from McMenamin’s
Haymaker from Bridgeport Brewing
Brrr! from Widmer
Our Special Ale from Anchor Steam
Blind Pig from Russian River
IPA from Green Flash Brewing
Hefeweizen from Landskron Brewing
Pommes Lambic from Lindemans
and sadly no longer made
Weizenberry from Thomas Kemper