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I’m not absolutely certain of this, but I *think* that this is the first time I’ve had a Cincinnati beer to review. I am certain, however, that it’s not going to be my last. The list really isn’t that short, either, and it appears that such a project will take me on an adventure or two.
At any rate, I picked up a sixer of Christian Moerlein’s Barbarossa, which is, according to the label, a Double Dark Lager. I was excited to get into this beer for a couple reasons. I’ve already noted the first. The second, and perhaps deeper reason, is that I’m a fan of dark lagers. My typical go-to beer, which I don’t believe I’ve ever reviewed, is a dark lager: Shiner Black Lager. Huge fan. Tasty stuff. Well-balanced, nice color, drinkable. It’s what I go for when I’m not trying something new.
So, My expectations were a bit high.
While I typically don’t gush, I’ve gotta say, Moerlein totally fucking brings it with this beer. It’s possible that I have a second go-to beer. Christian Moerlein Barbarossa is a nice, smooth dark lager that’s not overpowering, but just bitter enough to make itself known. Quite malty, which I like, and has just enough of a “roasted coffee” sort of flavor that comes through in the finish to make it a pleasant drink.
The fact that Barbarossa is a Cincinnati beer (I know it’s brewed in WI, dudes, I know) makes this all the nicer. It’s overall a solid offering from Christian Moerlein that does just what it should do, and nothing more. While it’s not “The Best Beer I’ve Ever Had,” this is something that I’d recommend to a “beginner” when it comes to beers. This is the sort of thing that you take a 6-pack of to a party. You avoid looking like a cheap drunk, and you get all the benefits of a good, drinkable beer.
Barbarossa Double Dark Lager scores a “Freaking Great” on TCM’s CTS scale. It should be available at finer liquor stores everywhere, probably in the “craft beer,” or “microbrew” section. Whatever they call it–it’s just not going to be next to the Bud Light.
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