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.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
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