Tasting

What does Shiner Bock taste like? The first impression is bread crust with a hint of caramel, plus a mild sweetness that finishes dry and short. The bitterness is subtle, the carbonation moderate. It's a beer you can enjoy without any background knowledge, yet one that still reveals its roasted malt character.

Real Ale shows two faces. Fireman's #4 is a pale, fruity ale for hot days, while Hans' Pils is a crisp lager with herbal hop character. Jester King belongs in a different category altogether: beers marked by acidity, dryness, and yeast character that can smell of fruit and hay. First-timers should start with small pours—the sourness can be startling if you grew up on lager, and it takes a few sips to adjust.

The typical glass in Texas is the US pint at 473 milliliters. Beer is also widely drunk straight from the bottle, especially the 355-milliliter longneck. For farmhouse beers, a tulip glass works better, as it captures the aroma.

Temperature is a matter of taste. Dark lagers taste best around 6 to 8°C, which lets the roasted notes shine. Served too cold, the aroma disappears, as with any beer. Farmhouse ales need 8 to 12°C to let fruit and spice come through.

Pouring technique helps too: tilt the glass at first, then straighten it once it's about half full. This builds a solid head of foam without releasing too much carbonation.