Sprecher vs. Leinie

[steveh]

Taking a cue from member Meggs, what is everyone thinking? Sprecher Black Bavarian losing 60 to 40 to Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark? I know, it's early, but I had to speak my heart about this one. While I appreciate the tradition and history behind Jake's homey little brewery, the Creamy Dark pales in comparison to Randy Sprecher's Black Bavarian lager.

I had such high hopes for the Creamy Dark when it was introduced - Jake promised that he was making a Munich Dunkel just like the ones I enjoyed at the Hofbrauhaus. Instead I got a poor, watered down imitation of Kostritzer.

On the other hand, Sprecher made no denials about attempting to create a Bavarian Schwartzbier (not a Munich Dunkel, mind you) and I think he succeeded well - and has continued to do so for many years. Rich and smooth, a balance of roasted and caramel malts, flavorful yet just the right body and mouth feel.

Honestly, if the two beers were placed on the bar as your choices, which one would you really reach for? I know, you'd ask if the Sprecher had been refrigerated during the life of its storage - but those are the risks we take searching out fresh, preservative unladen beer.

S.

[Lew Bryson]

Originally posted by steveh
Honestly, if the two beers were placed on the bar as your choices, which one would you really reach for? I know, you'd ask if the Sprecher had been refrigerated during the life of its storage - but those are the risks we take searching out fresh, preservative unladen beer.


You hit the nail right on the head, Steve. The shelf life of Sprecher is precisely why I voted for Creamy Dark. I've been burned many times by Sprecher and Bell's. Larry Bell fixed his problem, haven't had a Bell's gone bad for over three years. I can buy Bell's legally in PA now, and I do. I stopped buying Sprecher except on draft -- where I absolutely love it -- and I still hear reports about bottles gone bad. I'd say we have to take the risks into account, and I have enjoyed the Creamy Darks I've had.

But it's a personal choice on this one, and obviously which way you're feeling about a variety of things will decide your vote.

[steveh]

I am fortunate to have a small, independent liquor store around the corner from my home, with an owner who takes pride in his beer interest. He has kept his Sprecher and Bell's selections in the cooler ever since they became available to him - that certainly helps their sales.

Heck, I even had some Lake Front Stein beer on tap in Milwaukee last Decemeber - right around the corner from Marquette U. I was surprised to find the stuff very stale in their own neighborhood!

Good to hear that Bell's is fairing better these days. I went to a friend's wedding in Lansing, MI last year - on the HOTTEST day of the year. The Holiday Inn was connected to a TGI Fridays, which sort of turned me off - until I discovered that the darn place had Oberon on tap! Man - was that good in that weather!

Have I ever mentioned how thirsty this forum makes me? ;)

S.