WILK Friday BeerBuzz–13 July 2012 Lancaster Strawberry Wheat w/Bill Moore

If you follow along with the Friday BeerBuzz you know I like to fly in the face of traditional beers and I especially like to ignore the proper beer for the proper weather.  Case in point, last week we featured an Imperial Coffee Stout in early July.

This week I decided to not fight the trend and actually feature an appropriate beer for the appropriate time of year…and with the wonderfully warm weather we’ve been experiencing, I thought now was the perfect time.

Lancaster County PA has a rich brewing history.  Back in the early 1800’s, Lancaster County accounted for 7% of all beer brewed in the U.S. with an output of over 200,000bbl per year.  Unfortunately World War I and prohibition brought this all to a screeching stop, and even after both ended, brewing was never the same.

40 Years later the Lancaster Malt Mill opened and by 2001 it was purchased by Lancaster Brewing and beer finally returned to Lancaster, PA.

Back in June 2010 when we featured Lancaster Kolsch,  (Lancaster’s 1st canned beer) on the Friday BeerBuzz, so it was exciting to not only feature another local Lancaster beer, but to also welcome their brewmaster Bill Moore on to the show.  Bill has brewed for Independence, Sly Fox & even Stoudt’s over the years, so he has a keen insight as to what goes into making a great beer….and today’s beer is certainly a great one.

Lancaster Strawberry Wheat is a classic summer wheat with TWO twists.  First is the addition of Strawberry to this classic American Wheat, but the 2nd twist is actually even more interesting.  Lancaster Strawberry Wheat is actually a LAGER!  Yes this brew actually uses lager yeast to add a crisp and clean finish….perfect for a hot summer day.  At 4.8% ABV it’s sessionable, and with 16 IBU coming from Cascade & Hallertau hops, it’s well balanced and not overly sweet.  I’ve also given you a peek above at the NEW LABEL so watch for it as it appears on the shelves in our local market.

Thank you to Bill Moore from Lancaster Brewing

, John & Joe for yet another fun Friday.

The Friday BeerBuzz…bringing good beers and good people together.

As always you can check out the video on-line at the WILK Friday BeerBuzz page by clicking HERE.