Original Lager By Christian Moerlein
Craft beer is dominated by ales. From IPAs to Stouts To Sours, ales are the most common type of beer found at most breweries. But outside of the craft beer world, lagers are the dominate beer style. But there are some craft breweries that enjoy making lagers. One is Christian Moerlein out of Cincinnati, Ohio. And they just brought back their Original Lager.
While I love big, bold, unique flavors; there are many times when an approachable lager is exactly what I want. And Christian Moerlein’s Original Lager is exactly that.
Check out my review to see if this is a lager that you need to try.
Review Of Christian Moerlein Original Lager
There’s a long history on Christian Moerlein Brewing. And you can read much of it here. The short story is this brewery was once one of the largest in the country; prior to prohibition. Now they are a craft brewery that continues to honor their past while embracing the modern craft beer movement.
To celebrate their past, they brew a lot of lagers. This isn’t the case with most other craft breweries so it makes them stand out among the Pale Ale and IPA brewers of today.
As part of this “nod” to the past, they have brought back their iconic Original Lager. This Vienna Style Lager features German Noble hops.
The history of this beer dates back to 1981 when Moerlein’s Select Lager was launched as one of the original craft beers in the USA. Many consider this an iconic beer because it paved the way for the more flavorful beer that we enjoy today.
The recipe for Moerlein’s Select Lager was used to create the Original Lager. In fact, Brewers from both the Moerlein Lager House and Christian Moerlein Brewing Company brewing teams collaborated on the recipe for over a year, with each brewing
numerous test batches.
Christian Moerlein Brewing also added:
The iconic beer’s original Victorian lady graphic was brought back to celebrate Cincinnati’s grand brewing traditions. The Victorian era lady enjoying a Moerlein beer was prominently featured in Christian Moerlein advertising in the late 1800’s and when it was re-introduced in 1981 as one the first craft beers sold east of the Mississippi River. Moerlein Original Lager also has a new tagline with, “The Beer That Built Cincinnati” as both Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. and its lager beers were widely recognized for outstanding quality and building the brewing industry in Cincinnati.
Original Lager has an ABV of 5.0% and IBUs of 22. It can be found in 6 pack cans as well as on draft throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio as well as select part of Kentucky. And if you attend a FC Cincinnati game then you can find it in 16oz cans.
Here is how Christian Moerlein describes their Original Lager:
With a blend of Vienna and select specialty malts, this copper colored lager is brewed to pay homage to Moerlein’s Original Lager of the 1850’s. Mellow malty notes with a lightly toasted character and floral noble hops lead you to a clean and crisp finish.
Initial Thoughts
I don’t get overly excited for lagers but that’s probably normal. Lagers aren’t designed to create hype or fandom.
Instead, they are the well mannered, reliable beer that we all count on to satisfy without fail. So when I approached this beer, I wasn’t looking for my taste buds to be shocked with flavor.
Initially, I was really drawn to the can of Original Lager. The contrast between the citrus orange and black really makes it stand out.
Ounce poured, it shows as a warm amber hue that’s much darker than most lagers I’ve had.
The aroma is just what you’d expect as it has the crisp lager, malt notes.
Tasting Notes
For most, drinking a lager should be relaxing and simple. Nothing need to be overdone as the beauty of a lager is in its subtlety.
Original Lager is exactly that.
The first sip was just as enjoyable and straightforward as the last. It’s got a moderately light body. It’s heavier than water but much lighter than most other craft beers you’ll drink.
The flavor is rich with grain and corn-like malt flavors that are sweet. Then it finishes clean and crisp. You’ll probably drink it much faster than you intend because it’s just that easy going.
Final Thoughts
Lot of craft beer fans aren’t big fans of lagers. And generally, I am one of those people that prefer ales over lagers.
However, it’s hard to argue against a well made lager. There are just certain situations that lend themselves the the smooth flavor of a beer like Original Lager.
It’s the kind of beer that you fill a cooler with when friends and family come over for a grill out. It’s got a ton more flavor than any macro beer you’ll try and will easily please any beer drinker in the crowd.
And while I think it’s the perfect summer beer, it’s got enough body and flavor that you’ll gladly drink it year round.
Related Article: The Next Big Thing In Craft Beer – Lagers
Conculsion
Is Original Lager for everyone? I think so, it’s too easy going and full-flavored not to be.
For those that enjoy lagers, I highly recommend checking it out. Grab a pack and keep them around for those moments when you want a beer that perfectly compliments the situation rather than trying to dominate it.
