Shiner 98

[JimR]

awesome

[Alkie]

awesome

You pigs (not Jim, you pigs collectively) better be right.  We just hit the HEB here in New Braunfels and they have palette-fulls of the shit.  I got a couple 6ers for the Spurs and Astros tonight.  Guess which one I'll need it for more.

[austro]

You pigs (not Jim, you pigs collectively) better be right.  We just hit the HEB here in New Braunfels and they have palette-fulls of the shit.  I got a couple 6ers for the Spurs and Astros tonight.  Guess which one I'll need it for more.

You won't be disappointed.

Where is your place? Is it wet?

[Alkie]

You won't be disappointed.

Where is your place? Is it wet?

Wet?  You could say that.  We went down to HEB to get some cheesedogs for bait and Shiner 98 to dull the pain (for me, not my 4 year old; she likes the hard stuff).

Get back to my house and it starts to fucking pour.  Not to mention the lightning.  Goddammit.  Looks like I'm watching TV instead.

We're halfway between Seguin and NB on 46.

[Holly]

What are you doing out there?

And um... what makes the Shiner 98 that much better?

[austro]

Wet?  You could say that.  We went down to HEB to get some cheesedogs for bait and Shiner 98 to dull the pain (for me, not my 4 year old; she likes the hard stuff).

Get back to my house and it starts to fucking pour.  Not to mention the lightning.  Goddammit.  Looks like I'm watching TV instead.

We're halfway between Seguin and NB on 46.

Somehow, the storms have been going north and south of Austin. I hope that pattern continues tomorrow: there's still more dillo-proofing to do.

[JaneDoe]

there's still more dillo-proofing to do.

Haahaahaa.

[gleach]

After extensive research, Limey, HudsonHawk, EasTexAstro, Mrs. Limey, Allison and I agree that it is tasty.

[Limey]

After extensive research, Limey, HudsonHawk, EasTexAstro, Mrs. Limey, Allison and I agree that it is tasty.

Ravvat

[drew corleone]

Do they have this stuff at the Austin HEBs? I havn't been a Shiner drinker in quite some time, but the hype on here has piqued my interest.

And does anyone know if anywhere here sells Smithick's in bottles? Specs, perhaps?

[MRaup]

Do they have this stuff at the Austin HEBs? I havn't been a Shiner drinker in quite some time, but the hype on here has piqued my interest.

And does anyone know if anywhere here sells Smithick's in bottles? Specs, perhaps?

I can promise that HEB on Far West and HEB @ Hancock will deliver Shiner 98.

Other than that, you're on your own.

[JimR]

I can promise that HEB on Far West and HEB @ Hancock will deliver Shiner 98.

Other than that, you're on your own.

Grapevine Market had some yesterday.

[JSAstrosFan]

...the hype on here has piqued my interest.

Same for me. Do any restaurants or bars in Austin serve it? Draft would be nice.

[matadorph]

Grapevine Market had some yesterday.

Wine drinker?

By the way, one of the owners of Grapevine is a big Astros fan. We got drunk together the night Oswalt closed down Old Busch Stadium.

[drew corleone]

Grapevine = greatness.

I used to live 3 blocks from HEB on Far West... will maybe swing by there tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up!

[T. J.]

Agreed on all of the above.  Damn good.  Not great, but damn good.  Available in Sugar Land Kroger, so probably is everywhere by now.

[Savage]

Agreed on all of the above.  Damn good.  Not great, but damn good.  Available in Sugar Land Kroger, so probably is everywhere by now.

I suspect everywhere doesn't include southern ca.  Was on a business trip in Dallas last week and introduced a colleague to Shiner at the lovely DFW bar. I miss it...

[Ty in Tampa]

How long is the run of those brews? I likely won't be back to Texas until September.

[JackAstro]

It's unanimous. Picked up the 2nd-to-last case from HEB at Brodie and William Cannon, and it's delicious beer candy. It's not 97, but it's still mighty fine - on par with the 96. At the risk of over-hyping it further, do yourself a favor and get some.

[remy]

Interesting info (assuming that it's all true) from wikipedia on the annual Shiner special brew:

100 Year Celebration

Beginning in 2005, Shiner began producing a yearly brew to celebrate their upcoming anniversary. The centennial program develops one special beer each year that is produced in small batches. Each beer is named after the age of the brewery, thus in 2005 the beer was named Shiner 96, the 2006 beer Shiner 97, the 2007 beer Shiner 98, and 2008's beer is Shiner 99. With 96 and 97, the beers were only brewed from September through December. By mid-December the beer production is stopped and that beer was retired. In the case of Shiner 98, Shiner has varied things up, releasing 98 for the summer of 2007, with cases of 98 hitting store shelves in late May 2007. The Spoetzl Brewery claims that the program will end in 2009 with Shiner 100.

Below is a listing of each beer and their respective style:

    * Shiner 96 — Märzen/Oktoberfest Ale
    * Shiner 97 — Bohemian Black Lager
    * Shiner 98 — Bavarian Style Amber

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoetzl_Brewery

[JaneDoe]

Ok, I have never been a beer drinker, should I try this?

[JackAstro]

Ok, I have never been a beer drinker, should I try this?

Try beer? Absolutely, beer is good.

[JaneDoe]

Try beer? Absolutely, beer is good.

Nah, I've tried it, just never really liked it.

It all has tasted like what I would think that carbonated piss would taste like, but I've not tasted much.

[austro]

Nah, I've tried it, just never really liked it.

It all has tasted like what I would think that carbonated piss would taste like, but I've not tasted much.

There's a big world of interesting styles beyond the mega-brewers' offerings.  It may turn out that you don't like those other styles either, but I wouldn't let your experierence with "common" beers preclude trying out some of them out first.

[Frobie]

Ok, I have never been a beer drinker, should I try this?

I doubt that someone who has "never been a beer drinker" would like it.  It's somewhat bitter--actually it reminds me of an altbier like Frankenheimer or Diebels (neither of which is available in Houston anymore, at least in bottles).  But that's a whole 'nother topic.

If you have a Spec's or similar near you, go find some Lindeman's Framboise.  I've never met a non-beer drinker who didn't like it.  And if you do like it, things can go from there.  (Their Kriek is really good, too.)

[Alkie]

I doubt that someone who has "never been a beer drinker" would like it.  It's somewhat bitter--actually it reminds me of an altbier like Frankenheimer or Diebels (neither of which is available in Houston anymore, at least in bottles).  But that's a whole 'nother topic.

If you have a Spec's or similar near you, go find some Lindeman's Framboise.  I've never met a non-beer drinker who didn't like it.  And if you do like it, things can go from there.  (Their Kriek is really good, too.)

1) Totally agree.  Shiner 98 is not a good "first beer."

2) Nice.  Get her hooked on $9/bottle beer to start with.  She'll probably also like heroin.

[EasTexAstro]

After extensive research, Limey, HudsonHawk, EasTexAstro, Mrs. Limey, Allison and I agree that it is tasty.

I'm late in my reply, but...Yes. Very fine. Thanks.

[Amy]

Nah, I've tried it, just never really liked it.

It all has tasted like what I would think that carbonated piss would taste like, but I've not tasted much.

I wasn't a fan of beer for the longest time.  I drank it in high school and sometimes in college because that's what was readily available and cheap so I learned to tolerate it.  In recent years friends have introduced me to imported beer and some domestic beer that is not Miller or Bud and I've discovered some of it is actually quite tasty.  Some of what I consider decent to good beer: Amstel Light, Fosters, Dos Equis, Yuengling, Sapporo, Shiner Bock.  Oh, and when I was in Pittsburgh last month I tried what I'm pretty sure is a local beer called Iron City which I liked.  I'm no expert, but this is stuff I've actually come to enjoy drinking for the taste, which I never thought I would say about beer.

[Astroholic]

Oh, and when I was in Pittsburgh last month I tried what I'm pretty sure is a local beer called Iron City which I liked. 

It's Pittsburg local.

[HudsonHawk]

I doubt that someone who has "never been a beer drinker" would like it.  It's somewhat bitter--actually it reminds me of an altbier like Frankenheimer or Diebels (neither of which is available in Houston anymore, at least in bottles).  But that's a whole 'nother topic.

It's not THAT bitter.  And why do you assume that non-beer drinkers would only like piss with which to begin?  I would argue that such logic is part of the problem. 

If you have a Spec's or similar near you, go find some Lindeman's Framboise.  I've never met a non-beer drinker who didn't like it.  And if you do like it, things can go from there.  (Their Kriek is really good, too.)

That's a pretty "fringe" beer.  That's like saying "I'm going to teach you how to play baseball, and we'll start with your pickoff move".

[HudsonHawk]

It's Pittsburg local.

It's brewed in Pittsburgh, but it's available a lot of places, including Houston.

[Astroholic]

It's brewed in Pittsburgh, but it's available a lot of places, including Houston.

I dare ask, but where in Houston?  Specks?  I probably will not purchase any (had enough when I lived in Richmond VA) but just in case.

[HudsonHawk]

I dare ask, but where in Houston?  Specks?  I probably will not purchase any (had enough when I lived in Richmond VA) but just in case.

It's available at Spec's for sure, I think HEB too.  I've seen it in pubs too.

[Limey]

I dare ask, but where in Houston?  Specks?  I probably will not purchase any (had enough when I lived in Richmond VA) but just in case.

FTR, Spec's downtown claims to carry every single type of beer that's available in Texas.

[JackAstro]

That's a pretty "fringe" beer.  That's like saying "I'm going to teach you how to play baseball, and we'll start with your pickoff move".

(golf clap)

[Andyzipp]

It's brewed in Pittsburgh, but it's available a lot of places, including Houston.

Iron City is distributed by both Faust Distributing (East and South) and Houston Distributing (Central, North and West).  So it's available, mostly at Specs.

[Astroholic]

FTR, Spec's downtown claims to carry every single type of beer that's available in Texas.

I work Downtown and have been there several times (love that place, it’s a boozers dream).  I need to go for some 98 anyways, maybe Ill get some IC just for the memory.  Just wondering where else it might be available.

[MRaup]

I work Downtown and have been there several times (love that place, it’s a boozers dream).  I need to go for some 98 anyways, maybe Ill get some IC just for the memory.  Just wondering where else it might be available.

When you do, go look and see if they sell any Natural Bohemian if you think about it. I've got a friend coming down from Maryland in July, and I'd love to have a 6er of his favorite local piss on ice when he gets here.

[Astroholic]

When you do, go look and see if they sell any Natural Bohemian if you think about it. I've got a friend coming down from Maryland in July, and I'd love to have a 6er of his favorite local piss on ice when he gets here.

Will do.  I am headed over sometimes this week as I am going on a trip to lake austin (Emma Long) from the 6th until the 11th and need to get two 5ths of Tito's Vodka, the 98 and whatever else I might want.  You can come over to the park and pick it up if they have it.

[Kent's Moustache]

It's Pittsburg local.

Iron City tastes like Pittsburgh smells.

[Astroholic]

Iron City tastes like Pittsburgh smells.

I agree, it is an acquired taste.  Must be that clean water directly from the Allegany they use to brew it with.

[MRaup]

Will do.  I am headed over sometimes this week as I am going on a trip to lake austin (Emma Long) from the 6th until the 11th and need to get two 5ths of Tito's Vodka, the 98 and whatever else I might want.  You can come over to the park and pick it up if they have it.

Wow... That was above and beyond the call of duty.

Thanks!

[Astroholic]

Wow... That was above and beyond the call of duty.

Thanks!

Coming anyways so no problem.  Will let you know.  Oh yeah, how much do you want?

[MRaup]

Coming anyways so no problem.  Will let you know.  Oh yeah, how much do you want?

Just a 6er or a 12er.

Nothing crazy.

[Astroholic]

Just a 6er or a 12er.

Nothing crazy.

k

[dirty steve]

hope it's OK ot resurrect this thread.  i found shiner 98 at the HEB in friendswood and partook (even a word?) of it's ice cold goodness.  do you guys prefer it refrigerator or freezer cold?

carry on with your time.

[HudsonHawk]

hope it's OK ot resurrect this thread.  i found shiner 98 at the HEB in friendswood and partook (even a word?) of it's ice cold goodness.  do you guys prefer it refrigerator or freezer cold?

carry on with your time.

Neither.  Beer should be consumed at the proper beer temperature, which is about 50-55 degrees farenheit.  The fridge works, but even that is too cold.  The freezer?  No point and even drinking something that cold.

[Andyzipp]

Which is why it's proper and necessary to maintain a "beverage" fridge out in the garage.  Then you can keep your beer at proper serving temperature without worrying about giving your kids salmonella.

[MikeyBoy]

Your kids drink beer?

[Limey]

hope it's OK ot resurrect this thread.  i found shiner 98 at the HEB in friendswood and partook (even a word?) of it's ice cold goodness.  do you guys prefer it refrigerator or freezer cold?

carry on with your time.

Shit beer needs to be a freezer temps.  Don't waste your '98 by serving it so cold you can't taste it.

[Andyzipp]

Your kids drink beer?

My daughter does.  But she's only 19 months old.
My son is in kind of a Crown Royal phase, but I'm thinking he'll outgrow it.

[Bench]

I still can't find it here in Beaumont. Every time I go to Spec's I see an empty space on the shelf where the tag is. I can find no mention of it in any of the grocery stores.

[JimR]

I still can't find it here in Beaumont. Every time I go to Spec's I see an empty space on the shelf where the tag is. I can find no mention of it in any of the grocery stores.

cross over into the US. we have it here.

[Alkie]

I still can't find it here in Beaumont. Every time I go to Spec's I see an empty space on the shelf where the tag is. I can find no mention of it in any of the grocery stores.

I find that hard to believe.  Here is my 98 story.

The night that you guys came in here all declaring the 98 the greatest gift ever given to us by the beer gods, we were already on our way to New Braunfels.  And here's the thing, it's a NB address, but we're not really in NB.  We're on a dirt fucking road directly between NB and Seguin.  It's basically as rural as you can get in Central Texas.  Like a meth cabin 5 miles outside of town. 

About a mile and a half from us is a little shotgun shack-turned-liquor store called Pooters.  For those that have been on Hwy 46, you know what I mean.  It's a small metal structure that sells beer and hard liquor to the rednecks and farmers. 

So, we stop in there, just hoping they have SHINER BOCK. 

TRY NEW SHINER 98!!!

And a palette of the shit for $5.50/6er.   If POOTERS on 46 has a palette of Shiner 98, I guarantee you they have it in Boremont.

[Bench]

cross over into the US. we have it here.

When I asked the guy at Specs if they had any in the back, he gave me a blank look, shrugged, and pointed me towards a jar full of semi-clear liquid with rice grains settled on the bottom and crawfish tails floating around.

Ahhh, southeast Texas. How I shall miss you.

[Alkie]

semi-clear liquid with rice grains settled on the bottom and crawfish tails floating around.

You bought some, right?  Because that shit is, like, dabomb.

[Astroholic]

I find that hard to believe.  Here is my 98 story.

The night that you guys came in here all declaring the 98 the greatest gift ever given to us by the beer gods, we were already on our way to New Braunfels.  And here's the thing, it's a NB address, but we're not really in NB.  We're on a dirt fucking road directly between NB and Seguin.  It's basically as rural as you can get in Central Texas.  Like a meth cabin 5 miles outside of town. 

About a mile and a half from us is a little shotgun shack-turned-liquor store called Pooters.  For those that have been on Hwy 46, you know what I mean.  It's a small metal structure that sells beer and hard liquor to the rednecks and farmers. 

So, we stop in there, just hoping they have SHINER BOCK. 

TRY NEW SHINER 98!!!

And a palette of the shit for $5.50/6er.   If POOTERS on 46 has a palette of Shiner 98, I guarantee you they have it in Boremont.

Maybe because Pooters is closer to Shiner?

[Bench]

You bought some, right?  Because that shit is, like, dabomb.

Oh it's good shit, but it makes watching the Astros games really confusing. Only several hours later did I realize I was watching autopsy shows the entire time.

[Alkie]

Maybe because Pooters is closer to Shiner?

You think the extra 113 miles makes that much of a difference?  I bet they've got it in El Paso, which is closer to Afghanistan than Shiner, Texas.

[utastro]

I bet they've got it in El Paso...

Well if they don't they will this weekend.  I'm heading there with a case for the old man for father's day.