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The great thing about niche style breweries like Enegren Brewing is that it allows the guest brewer to play in a different sandbox than normal. Beachwood does its fair share of styles but a Dortmunder is a little brewed style that is welcome to see and probably design a recipe for. And it would pair nicely with their BBQ too.
Enegren Brewing recently releases a new rotating Hop pilsner using “Grüngeist hops, meaning “green ghost” in German, lend flavors of peach, passionfruit, and lemon zest giving this pilsner a slight fruitiness with a crisp finish.”
I had never heard of this hop before and I found you haven’t either, this might be a great way to start sampling these single hop pilsners.
One of the benefits of seasonal releases is that you have lead time and can do fun stuff like have a label design contest and you can also reference the year in both number and image. It also helps that Enegren Brewing does Germanic beers really well.
When a brewery ties itself to a specific style, it can cut a couple ways. One is that certain styles are left aside that are fun or hot sellers but it can also mean that hardcore fans get chuffed if you do anything other than what your mission statement from years ago said.
Enter the elegant solution of collaborating with another brewery when you want to break out of the straitjacket. Hence, Enegren teaming with Institution Ales for an IPA.
Whenever beer talk turns to Denver, one of the first breweries you hear about is Bierstadt Lagerhaus. Now you can taste why as they have collaborated with our own Enegren Brewing.
If that pilsner tastes half as good as it looks in that glass, then it will be a treat. Enegren is shipping in California too.
Time to feel strong, I think. An Enegren is giving us a Gladiator. A big and burly dopplebock to take our minds off all of the things we are currently fighting. Maybe six crowlers would be better?
When it comes to series that rotate from hop to hop. It is usually IPAs or rarely pale ales or Saisons. But Enegren rotates a new hop to pilsner and this month brings a classic, Cascade. Draft or 4-packs available.
Each month in L.A. brings a bevy of anniversary parties. Here are (3) more for you for August…
Enegren Brewing 8th Anniversary in Moorpark on Saturday, August 3rd 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Chapman Crafted 3rd Anniversary in Orange on Saturday, August 10th 12:00 pm
818 Brewing 4th Anniversary in Canoga Park on Sunday, August 18th 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Enegren Brewing will be releasing their fall seasonal on Dec. 7th, which actually fits since it probably won’t feel like fall until December.
The latest 16oz can release is the Batlic Maple Porter, described by the brewery as having “a complex malt profile with hints of toasted bread, caramel and mild smokiness. It is naturally carbonated with maple syrup and lagered for 60 days on sugar-maple wood.”
Sunday is the best time to beer travel in Los Angeles. There is still traffic but I plan my longer trips for this day. I also like leftovers days, those days after a big event. You might not get the “it” beer but you almost always find a chill vibe.
That is all preamble to my trip to Moorpark and Enegren Brewing for what is either my 2nd or 3rd visit. I have had their beers in between visits of course, especially now that they can (with their very own machine no less) and I can pick up their German inspired beers closer to home.
This Sunday was the day after Oktoberfest and the tents and chairs and signs were being brought down as I walked in. A few people had beat me there but I saw a nice full tap list and got to talking with Chris Enegren himself which is always fun.
I took to the lighter options more than the darker ones on this visit. Edel-Pils was my favorite with a lovely potpourri aroma and bright clear finish. The Rasenmaher Bier (AKA lanwmower beer) was quite good too. It had a quick lemony hop hit and then finished simpler which is great for our continued hot days. The aptly named The Lightest One is a great Fall sports beer. One of those that you look down and it’s half empty.
The Oktoberfest and Dunkel were nice examples of the style. Simple and direct. Whereas the Blondefire was pure BBQ smoke. If you like that Bambergian Rauchbier, this is a balanced (for a smoke beer) version. All of the beers gave me renewed confidence to pick up their canned offerings when I see them.
Enegren has more plans in the making, including expanding their space on Flinn Avenue as well as other growth as well. Just don’t go looking for hazy, unless you are hankering for a hefeweizen.
