I’m a huge fan of Shiner, and have been closely following the annual beers they have been releasing as a lead-up to their 100th year anniversary. My favorite has so far been the 98th year edition, though I never got a chance to try Shiner 96, the first in this centennial series.
It goes without saying that I’ve been really anticipating the final chapter in this delicious saga, the aptly named Shiner Commemorator (or Shiner 100), which was released in Dallas a few weeks after the New Year. After years of build up, I had (perhaps unreal) expectations of this beer being the absolute pinnacle of Texas beer-dom.
It is with profound sadness that I so write this judgement: Commemorator is a big let-down. I’m not going into the milieu used to “professionally” break down beer, but will describe some of my impressions. I found the first malty sip enjoyable, but with each successive drink there was a growing metallic, boozy after-taste that left me cringing. In a weird way, it reminded me of that lingering taste you get when drinking a Miller High Life, except it’s a darker. This is not a good thing. The impression only strengthens the farther you get into a bottle, and the final swigs were almost a chore.
I like Shiner enough that I had moral reservations about writing this post, but my disappointment was too overwhelming. I think it’s the worst of the beers I have tried in the series. Even more damaging was that it didn’t even come close to challenging a different beer I love brewed in the same Doppelbock style, called Ayinger Celebrator.
I’m hoping Shiner releases some sort of “sampler” pack with all of the anniversary edition beers, 96 through 100. It would be a fun way to make a final judgement on which beer rules this series. It’s a shame the finale turned out this way though.
Got a thought on the Shiner centennial series? Let’s hear it -
The good Lord blessed Texas with open spaces, kick-a BBQ, and Nolan Ryan. It’s only fair that his good hand withheld other worldly blessings to even things out. And so, He stopped Texas from getting snow.
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Returning to socially popular party-town Katy, TX this winter break, I was forced to pack accordingly. Internet-less and sans cable, I always go into Katy with loads of portable entertainment, reading material, and cup-and-ball to pass the time. When those distractions lose their luster, I head out. Binge drinking while driving is probably the safest, most entertaining activity outside church I can think of. Enter Time Square Entertainment. This bowling/laser tag/pool hall fun center is your average suburban hotbed for tweens, preteens, and jailbait alike. So how did they win me over you ask? $6. Six dollars for any pitcher on tap including your beloved Shiner Bock and Heineken for you high-class folk. These great pitcher prices combined with tipsy bowling usually lead to a decent evening in redneckville. +1 Katy. This along with I-10 expansion have really made visiting the family so much more bearable. I love ya mom, but I hate dislike Katy. Back to Dallas I go. Back to $25 pitchers. Citymistress, you got the next round.
