Brazil, Blasphemy, and The Wooden Shoe

We sampled more new brews at last night's tasting, and there were four beers that really stood out. First, two German-style Brazilian beers: Eisenbahn Defumada Smoked Lager, and Eisenbahn Vigorosa Wheat Double Bock. The smoked lager tasted like a campfire in a glass, with a nice malt backbone accented by a rich, smoky flavor - it would pair up extremely well with ribs, other smoked meats, or even smoked salmon. The wheat double bock was very well done, and could've been mistaken for the genuine German version - a touch of clove and banana, with a sweet malt finish.

Next, Blasphemy - Weyerbacher's Belgian-style Quadrupel aged in oak barrels. A hint of candied sugar and vanilla complement the smooth malt profile, and makes this a very drinkable strong beer. At 13% alcohol, it's deceptively strong, but very well made.

Last, Wooden Shoe. There's a lot of history with this brand of beer, originally brewed from 1869 through the mid-1950's in the small town of Minster, Ohio. The brand has been resurrected, and is drinking much better than I imagine it might have back in the day. No noticeable adjuncts in this one, just a clean, well-done German-style pilsner (although I think it veers a little into Dortmunder territory). A very quaffable brew, and at only $3.49 per 22 oz. bottle, a pretty good price as well.