Earlier this year, my wife re-upped me into a Rare Beer Club, and as i am wont to do, i saved several bottles for consumption over the holidays. One such brew was the Imperial Small Arms Dealer Pilsner from Broken Bow Brewery in Tuckahoe, New York. The 8% pils pours gold with a foamy white head and smells of sweet fruit along with some malt and hoppy notes. The flavor is a crisp and bitter mix of floral hops, bread, and maybe just a hint of honey with a dry finish. Drink this one while grilling or watching a game.
I didn't even know this beer existed until a friend brought it over on Saturday night, Beer Thousand, a limited edition lager from Dogfish Head Brewing celebrating the 20th anniversary of of the 1994 Guided By Voices album, "Bee Thousand." And it's a beast. Though it smells and looks like Miller Lite, the brew is actually a double imperial American pilsner, using a multitude of different hops and spices and comes in at a powerful 10% ABV. Hints of honey, citrus, fruit, and malt makes for a tasty beverage, and the alcohol is very evident. Probably one of the best lagers i've ever had, and sadly, i will probably never get to have it again...unless you have some and want to send it to me. Do you?
Visit the brewer, and go ahead and listen to "Bee Thousand" below. Hooray!
