A Texas Bohemian…

Texas is not a name one normally associates with beer, but there is one shining light in this otherwise arid state: Shiner. Shiner Beers, brewed at the century-old Spoetzl Brewery in San Antonio, has stood the test of time (indeed, of prohibition) to become one of the best small labels in the States.

The Bohemian Black Lager, originally a limited edition schwarzbier for the Brewery’s 97th anniversary, became a permanent offering in 2007. As the name implies, it is made utilizing Czech (Saaz and Styrian) hops and dark-roasted malts. One of the smoother true darks you’ll encounter, with a chocolate cream base and hints of citrus and rosemary around the edges, it put me in the mood for boar steak and gypsy dancing by torchlight… ah, Český Krumlov…