Thomas Hooker Munich-Style Lager - Thomas Hooker Brewing Company

iheartchicken

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a pilsner glass

A: small head which removes itself from my sight quickly. straw colored with a slight orange hue

S: very floral, bready, maybe some pale malts in there, and a touch of bright fruit

T: crist and clean, with some grassy/lemony notes

M: smooth with a little kick from the carbonation on the finish

O: I can drink a lot of this, too many. I have never had any other beers of this style but this particular one reminds me of a american light lager with flavor.... way more flavor and complexity especially given its clear and light appearance

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2012 04:44:29 | More by iheartchicken

TheCorkStopsHere

Connecticut

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

After a recent visit from the Thomas Hooker representative, I wanted to try the full variety of brews. I've had most (if not all) of the Hooker beers over the past couple years, after all they are practically right down the road. There's also a few rumors floating that some new beers are on the way, so revisiting the old favorites is becoming even more of a priority.

This brew from Hooker Brewing is the Munich Style Lager. There is often a shortage of Lagers among craft brewers, largely because of the extended brewing time compared to that of Pale Ales and IPAs. This Munich Style Lager is cool-fermented and aged for 6 weeks, compared to the average ale which can be ready in just 2-3 weeks.

Munich Style Lager pours out a clear golden color, with just a thin layer of white foam. The head fades back pretty quickly, as you can see by my 3-seconds too late photo. The aromas are what I think of as the quintessential smell of beer. Just a touch of hops is largely overwhelmed by the firm backbone of malts. This isn't the candy-sweet style of malty aromas though, I'm talking about the just slightly sweet, bready/grainy style of hops. It smells much like the best lagers in the business, such as Augustiner and Weihenstephaner.

On the palate, this Lager is almost exactly what I expected: crisp, clean, and easy-drinking. There's a touch of malty sweetness up front, which just a slightly dry finish on the back-side. A deliciously balanced brew! I now know why this Munich Style Lager is ranked so highly on beerAdvocate! Why did I not try this one sooner?

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2012 15:55:28 | More by TheCorkStopsHere

moosejaw7

Connecticut

1.6/5  rDev -59.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5

I really don't understand how this beer is rated so highly. It is simply terrible. The taste was so thin and flimsy, I'd rather eat uncooked linguini than take another sip of this terrible beer. I drank about 1/4 of it and then dumped it down the drain.

It's very possible that there was an infection present, because I detected a very faint sour note in the finish, which was the final straw. Speaking of straw, that's what this beer tasted like, and not in a good way. I'd rather drink Stoudt's Gold Lager any day of the week over this atrocity.

I wanted to like this beer because it's a local brewery, which makes it all the more disappointing that I hate it so much. I wish I had something positive to say about the beer but I don't.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2011 06:08:49 | More by moosejaw7

chefelf

New York

4.33/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I first had this as part of a limited edition last summer so I was really excited to see it return this summer. I had it a couple of nights ago and recalled what I'd liked about it so much. This is undoubtedly the highest-rated lager I've ever had.

It has a light straw color and pleasing scent. The taste is somewhat bready with a faint sour taste that if it were any more pronounced may be a too much.

I'm hoping they keep this beer up. I don't know enough about Munich style lagers to know if this is representative of that style but if so there is finally a lager that I've had that has some flavor to it!

Very easy drinking, and low ABV. I highly recommend this one.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2011 12:26:37 | More by chefelf

davey101

Connecticut

3.93/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle into a sam adams perfect pint. Born on date of 3/22/2011.

A - Dark straw yellow body. Small soapy head.

S - Sweet bready malts. Just a dash of spice and hops.

T - Crisp and bready. Sweet and malty. Really easy drinking and refreshing.

O - Nice lager. Has a good amount of flavor without being too complex or challenging. Seems like a really solid summer session beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2011 04:13:37 | More by davey101

woosterbill

Connecticut

2.55/5  rDev -36.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 2.5

12oz bottle into a Duvel tulip. Thanks to vonschplieffen for letting me review this one from the cooler in his back yard.

A: Cloudy light amber body with 2 fingers of frothy, persistent off-white foam. I'd like a clearer lager, but it's got a great head - lovely retention and lace.

S: Hmmm. Underwhelming aroma of sulfur, cooked vegetables, metal, toasty malt, and herbal hops. Some good, some bad, all boring.

T: Follows the nose (sadly) - pretty sweet, with a hefty amount of minerality, DMS, and metallic flavor. Pretty disappointing, but at least it's not totally bland.

M: Smooth, lively body with lots of roiling carbonation. Pretty fun.

O: I was shocked - shocked! - to see the plethora of positive reviews for this beer, as I found it to be a highly flawed, thoroughly forgettable offering. Perhaps I got an old bottle or something; I'll have to look for it on tap. Until then, I'll be glad to stick with fresh Elm City whenever I feel like some light CT lager (I'll be the first to agree that Hooker Liberator is the best overall lager brewed in the state, if not the nation).

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2011 03:18:01 | More by woosterbill

rebelthrower

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours golden yellow with a hint of orange. The head had a bit of yellow about a quarter width. The head disappears quickly with no lacing at all.

S - Crisp with a bit of citrus hops.

T - Sweet malt and floral hops. Mild citrus and pepper. Also bready.

M - Carbonation is just about perfect here. Nice crisp to it and a little chewy.

D - Very drinkable. Great beer all around. Great beer for the summer/outdoors.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2011 00:41:45 | More by rebelthrower

drtth

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Samuel Smith's imperial pint glass. Glass of cold water on the side to sip from periodically.

Appearance: As poured the beer is a clear burnished gold color with a 1/4 " white head that recedes to a small ring of foam around the glass with a small thin patch of foam on the liquid. Throughout the beer sipping leaves some scattered speckles of lacing that slide slowly back down to the liquid.

Smell: The aroma is fresh and clean with light breadiness and no alcohol but some nice floral notes from the hops showing.

Taste: The flavors include pale sweet malt that gives a nice busquity flavor. There is also a light but definite touch of herbal hop bitterness to serve as a counter point to the sweetness of the malt.

Mouthfeel: The mouth feel is medium to light bodied and quite soft with the gentle carbonation. The finish is medium long and basically turns from the sweet bitter balance to a simple dryness with no residual bitterness.

Drinkability: I've quite enjoyed this beer and found it quite drinkable. Each sip has followed quite easily from the last and it was quite easy to have a second one. I'll certainly be happy to have this beer again and am glad to have tried it when I had the chance.

Serving type: growler

08-14-2010 00:29:21 | More by drtth

jeffthecheff

Connecticut

4.6/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a gold color with brilliant clarity. The head is very white, with great lacing and retention. The carbonation bubbles streaming up the middle add liveliness to the appearance.

The aroma is very bready, which doesn't suprise me based on the word "Munich" on the label. It has a really interesting dough like quality, even with a bit of yeast. There is also a touch of noble hops in the back. I could see this beer smelling better with just a touch more hops, but this level is still good.

The flavor is simple, crisp, tight, and very fresh. You get a little less Munich malt than on the nose, but it still provides the accent to an otherwise simple and clean beer. Bitterness and hop flavor are both low.

The body is light, carbonation is spot on, and the feel is smooth on the palate. I expect a lager like this to be easy to drink, but after my first sip, I knew I needed to have another. That is actually rare for me, so this scores a perfect 5 for drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2010 20:44:03 | More by jeffthecheff

dag06001

Connecticut

4.75/5  rDev +19%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer is my new favorite. I got this beer at a beer tasting at the Thomas Hooker Brewery in Bloomfield Ct. The beer was really fresh with a nice golden appearance. This beer tastes great and is perfect for summer days. I'd recommend this beer to anyone who likes really light colored beers.

Serving type: growler

06-01-2010 02:30:51 | More by dag06001

Beerislife652854

Connecticut

4.55/5  rDev +14%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Saw this one advertised on Connecticut Public Television, believe it or not.

A - Crystal clear amber gold with fine carbonation and a thin head that fades to nothing.

S - A crisp day in October.

T - Nice balance of bitter hops at the beginning, finishes with a slightly sweet aftertaste. Essentially, what a beer should taste like.

M - Carbonation is near perfect. Crisp and refreshing.

D - Very drinkable. Great for outdoors.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2010 20:01:42 | More by Beerislife652854

JMD

Connecticut

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A: Pours a cloudy auburn with a foamy white head that fades slowly. Leaves light lacing on the glass.

S: Clean aroma of fresh grains, light carmel malt and some honey. faint hops as well.

T: Notes of grain, sweetbread, and some light honey. Fresh hop flavor provides a gentle bite as it finishes.

M: Light bodied and ample carbonation.

D: As the style was intended, this beer is highly drinkable. Nice flavor, and smooth. I could drink these one after another, all night long. These will be a staple in my fridge all summer long.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2010 22:25:48 | More by JMD

donniecuffs

New Jersey

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured a nice carbonated golden hue into an American pint glass, with a finger of white head and decent lacing. The smell was decidedly malty, but I could also detect a bitter balancing hop presence. The taste was better than expected; certainly a heap of malt in this one, but also some caramel and toffee flavor mixed with some hop bitter dryness, and finishing on a dry note. Very nice carbonated, medium-bodied mouthfeel. Very good session beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2009 04:30:04 | More by donniecuffs

sbe1

New York

4.15/5  rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Like the previous reviewer, I got this in a growler from the tap at New Beer Distributors on Chrystie St. in Manhattan.

Appearance: a dark rich coppery gold color with a white foamy head that had some lacing on the glass.

Smell: Sweet and bready with faint spice from the hops(pepper, and herbs).

Taste: Toasted malt, sweet cream, mild spice and citrus, dry finish.

Mouthfeel: Light, smooth, refreshing, slightly creamy, light carbonation.

Drinkability: excellent, a fantastic refreshing session beer.

Serving type: growler

07-12-2009 05:21:43 | More by sbe1

PEBKAC

New York

3.73/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

32oz growler from New Beer. Fourth of July leftovers. Poured into a clear plastic big gulp.

Came out the color of a very greasy paper bag, with about the same amount of visibility through & through. Just a wisp of off-white lace after a slight sizzle.

Smell is grainy, with light Euro carmelization. A touch of honey, but more so, margarine. Faint whiff of soil & wet leaves.

Very light carbonation makes me think this one didn't seal too well. Matter of fact, I think I remember it being filled all the way to the top, impeding any gentle expansion. Anyway, taste is immensely bready. Almost like a double kvass if there were such a thing(There probably already is. I should start an ISO thread). Minerals, giving it a dirty water taste & feel. Green hops that are just barely adding some zest. An obvious amount of "The butter is burning in the pan, where did you put the eggs?!"(not a total deterrent to me). A little salt too. Finish is crackers & bread crust. Alcohol is negligible on my tongue, but apparent after settling on my empty stomach.

I don't know how it use to be before Conn. turned on Hooker for the direction they took, but it could work with a little tuning. I still drank it pretty fast. just eager to clear the fridge for some other stuff I suppose.

Serving type: growler

07-08-2009 23:54:29 | More by PEBKAC

deltatauhobbit

Maine

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From a leaky 500ml flip-top bottle that almost got sent in a trade if not for the wet box, even with the leak, it ended up being pretty decent.

Pours a very hazy golden/orange color, decent head, no lacing.

Smell is very yeasty with a citrus aroma, some coriander.

Taste is smooth and citrusy, bready with a zing, good carbonation (especially considering), quite buttery.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2008 22:29:44 | More by deltatauhobbit

AltBock

Ohio

3.4/5  rDev -14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

My Golden Lager came in one of those old fashioned swing top bottles instead of the 22 bomber bottle pictured on BA. It's the same type of bottle that the Liberator use to come in. Simple sky blue label with the name of the beer in big yellow letters and 2 squared lion heads at the ends of the name. To the left and right of the lion heads in yellow squares is the address of Thomas Hooker, US Govt. warning, barcode, and refund values. For some reason, this one didn't have a brewed year yellow strip over the swing top.

Appearance: When poured into a Sly Fox Imperial pint glass, this Golden Lager is a hazy and bright golden lemon color. On top of this brew was a tall 1 1/2 to 2 inch fluffy head of white foam. This white head of foam had really good retention that left behind a 1/2 inch left over head of foam and quite a few streaks of white lace around the glass. Basically, it's what a Golden Lager should look like to me. Great color and a nice head of white foam!

Smell: The aroma to this beer is very dry with a few drops of lemon, subtle toasted malts (So subtle that it was hard to tell they were even there), a dash of black pepper, and some yeast here and there. In the beginning it was mostly yeasty, but as it warmed up a bit, the yeast receded and the lemon and pepper came out from the background.

Taste: I thought Thomas Hooker would take a basic Golden Lager and work on it to make it more than just your average lager. That wasn't the case with this Lager. It was just plain and simple dry and lightly hoppy taste of toasted biscuit malts, a hint of lemon, a splash of grapefruit, and some bitter citrus hops at the finish. It felt like the hops were increased a bit, but it was still just a basic Golden Lager.

Mouthfeel: It's a light bodied beer like a Golden Lager should be, but it had a nice little dry and yeasty aftertaste of bitter citrus hops and lightly toasted biscuit malts.

Drinkability: It's just a simple Golden Lager, but hell if it isn't highly drinkable. Overall, it was just a nice refreshing light beer that would make a nice choice for a summer Lager session beer. I thought it just came in those expensive swing top bottles, but it's nice to see that it now comes in a 22 oz. bomber bottle.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2008 21:05:38 | More by AltBock

AlexJ

North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Rcently revisited after not having one for a few years. This pours a clear golden with A SMALLISH WHITE HEAD THAT DOESN'T LAST AS LONG AS IT SHOULD, LEAVING THE GLASS STARK OF LACE.

The aroma is clean and mild, with plenty fresh malt notes, toasted bread, and tangy, herbal hops.

The flavor is crisply malted with biscuits, roasty grain, light caramel and a healty dose of spicey, grassy hops. Balanced and tastey.

Body is on the light side with a creamy mouthfeel and light carbonation. 22 ounces disappears quickly.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2008 00:12:19 | More by AlexJ

auxiliary

Rhode Island

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

appearance - Clear golden color, that left some lace on the glass. Good amount of carbonation.

smell - Malts and grapes here with some hops.

taste - Has some malt taste with a lemons, and some hops at the end. Has some grapes taste to it.

mouthfeel - Medium

drinkability - Easy drinking summer beer, enjoyed this one

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2007 04:41:56 | More by auxiliary

BeerTruth

Connecticut

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz. bomber picked up on my way back from MA.

Poured into a pilsner glass.

This one pours a tinted gold hue with a pillowy two finger white head that slowly dies down to a solid layer. Little to no stickiness with bubbles racing to the top throughout the entire tasting. Smell is of big noble hops, pepper, butter, and some faint caramel malt. Probably the best smelling lager I've ever sampled. Clean buttery biscuit flavors up front with some pepper and spice emerging midway. Aftertaste is very weak and almost fades away to nothing, but a bit of a hop bite lingers. Mouthfeel is a creamy medium body with a good amount of carbonation. What a great lager. I really wish this was available in Central New York because this could easily become my staple summer beer. If you're someone who appreciates a solid lager, definitely get your hands on this one.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2007 01:27:03 | More by BeerTruth

Wasatch

Utah

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to TheManiacalOne for this brew.

Pours a nice clean/clear golden yellow color, nice carbonation, nice one-finger plus foamy head, some sticky lacing follows. The nose is malty, slightly hoppy, some spicyness, and some caramel. The taste is sweet, malty, slightly spicy, and some caramel thrown in. Medium body. Very drinkable, this is another awesome brew from Thomas Hooker, they do a Helles justice, recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2007 00:02:24 | More by Wasatch

elinash

New York

4.18/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Sadly, this might be one of the last T.H. beers I'll taste...

Their Munich Lager has been one of the best lagers I've had. ever. I am a huge fan of most helles lagers, though.

Swingtop bottle.

It pours really nice, with lots of head at first that disappears after a while. The color is rich and slightly cloudy. There was some yeast in the bottom that I dredged up for the last pour.

Aroma is slight grass, malt, some yeast. It smells really fresh.

Taste is full with great yeast, bread, and grass/ hay. I detected a light ash quality on the finish. The long finish is slightly dry and a little acidic.

I've already said it, but this beer is great and super drinkable.

I know that some of the swingtop bottles are off, so if you get a bad one, you'll know it from the non-enthuastic pop on the swingtop.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2007 00:33:37 | More by elinash

AChamberlain

Texas

4.47/5  rDev +12%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Bought from Bierkraft. A great Helles. Almost perfection. Golden yellow with a foamy white head. Biscuity malt aromas. Drink more lagers. More maltiness and bread in the flavor, delicious. Crisp and smooth at the same time. Soft and luscious. Again, great lager. I feel this style is underappreciated, it's one of my favorites, great session beer.

Serving type: growler

08-20-2007 18:26:15 | More by AChamberlain

ohoove

Connecticut

3.75/5  rDev -6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Head faded quickly with big bubbles of carb. Lacing fooled me, Ithought it clung pretty well at first then kinda disappeared as did the head to a small bead around the edges. Color was that of a golden/ orange with a murky haze with a "thick " look to the body. first couple nose hits were that of a dank basement and wet wood but towards the last couple fingers I stuck my nose right in the glass and it came back as a watered down rubbing alchohol- strange. Taste was immediately sweet and floral, citrus onthe front with an ever so mellow hop finish, slightly bitter, great balance between malts and hops. Mouthfeel was on the side of a cream ale,nice full body, and surprisingly smooth considering the amount of busy little bubbles that danced throughout the sitting. The first time I tasted this I knew I fouhd a winner so I went out and bought a case (12) of the 1.9 oz. flip top bottles (ouch ) $64 and change. Really hope that Curt and the boys at Troutbrook get away from the fancy (expensive ) bottling and release this in 12 oz. 6 packs. love everything about this except the price.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2007 15:51:11 | More by ohoove

Imstillthegman

Delaware

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Scthaden for this flip-top bottle.

Pours a golden color with a nice sized white head. Lacing isn't to be seen, but the head did fade slowly.

The aroma is of spicy herbs, peppery, and very faint malts.

Taste is of spicy herbal flavors, with some floral qualities. There is some bready wheat like flavors in the beginning. It all blends together very well.

Smooth, yet biting. Thinner body, good bubbles. Very easy drinking, enjoyable beer. Thanks, Shannon.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2007 18:02:45 | More by Imstillthegman