Beer Review: Silvesterbier
Collaboration: Heater Allen, Gold Dot Beer (McMinnville, OR) & Bierstadt Lagerhaus (Denver, CO)
Format: 16oz Tallboy Can
Style: Historical German Lager (Silvesterbier)
ABV: 6.5%
The Vibe
This is a “Lager Summit” in a can. You have the legendary Heater Allen team, the evolution of that team in Gold Dot, and the purists from Bierstadt Lagerhaus. Together, they resurrected Silvesterbier—a rare historical style named after Saint Sylvester (the New Year’s Eve saint). Historically brewed for the end of the year, it sits between a Festbier and a Heller Bock: stronger than your daily drinker but refined enough for a celebration.
Appearance
It pours a gorgeous, deep “old gold” with brilliant clarity. The head is thick and mousse-like, a testament to the traditional decoction mashing techniques these three breweries champion. It looks substantial in the glass, with a slow rise of fine carbonation.
Aroma
The nose is a masterclass in malt complexity. Because it uses dark malted wheat (a historical touch that once defied the Reinheitsgebot), you get more than just standard grain:
The Core: Freshly baked challah bread and orange blossom honey.
The Accent: A delicate, floral hop spice and a very faint hint of dried apricot.
Tasting Notes
The Lead: Rich and velvety. There is a “golden” sweetness that hits the tongue first, followed by a deeply satisfying bready depth.
The Body: Medium-plus. At 6.5%, it has a warming presence, but the “clean” lager fermentation keeps it from feeling heavy or sticky.
The Finish: Impeccably balanced. The bitterness is restrained but just enough to tidy up the malt sweetness, leaving a clean, lingering taste of toasted grain and noble hops.
The Verdict
Silvesterbier is “Quiet Luxury.” It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or massive hop additions; it relies on technical perfection. It is a beer designed for reflection—perfect for sipping while the snow falls or for a New Year’s toast. It manages to be both “badass” and incredibly elegant.
Final Thought: This is perhaps the most “academic” lager collaboration of the year, yet it remains purely joyful to drink. It is a rare chance to taste a piece of brewing history.