Schell's 30th Anniversary Pilsner Series - 1984 Recipe

This beer is part of the 30th Anniversary Pilsner Series from the August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm, Minnesota. They were established in 1860 and I believe they are the second oldest family owned brewery in the United States, behind Yuengeling (this is the 30th anniversary of the pilsner recipe, not of the brewery itself). This sampler pack contained the 1984 Recipe, the 2014 Recipe, a Roggen (Rye) Recipe and a Mandarina (hop) Recipe.

The beer pours a yellow golden in color. There is over an inch of pure white foamy head. The aroma is like a macro-lager, but indicating more flavor and nuance. Semi-sweet grain is followed by light floral notes, and a fairly intense earthy bitterness. The taste follows the aromas directly, dry cracked corn, grassy, some barn straw with a fairly bitter and dry finish. It is smooth, yet refreshingly carbonated. Nice, can’t wait to try the next one. Michael Jackson (no, not that one, the beer and whiskey guy) called this "One of the best American examples of the Pilsner style." I agree Mr. Jackson.

This beer had that classic beer "bite" that reminded me of sneaking a taste of Old Milwaukee or Schlitz from older relative's cans when I was a kid in the 1970's.  Back then, those beers seemed to have such a crisp bitterness to them (they don't now, but I've since tried a few more beers), and this beer seemed like a nostalgia trip back to that taste.