Shiner Holiday Cheer

I’m not going to lie, Shiner has a soft spot in my heart.  A visit to the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas has a firm spot on my bucket list just after “shoot a wild pig” and before “cook said wild pig” as what would be better with pig than some beer straight from Spoetzl?

First off, what a great name for a beer – “Holiday Cheer.” Can you picture it, “Hey, Norm, I’m bringing you some Holiday Cheer.” Of course, it’s hard not to think about Buddy the Elf saying, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Honestly, I gotta disagree with the elf as Shiner has created a pretty good way to spread the cheer.

Alright, let’s get to it. Cool branding/packaging aside, this is a pretty good beer and while drinking it I couldn’t help but think it is appropriately named – it’s like holiday cheer in a bottle. This is a dark wheat ale that is amber in color. It is brewed with peaches and pecans which helps give it a sweet taste which you can really pick up on after that first swig. Honestly it’s a bit difficult to think of another beer to compare it to as its taste is distinctively different than anything I’ve had. If you’re a fan of wheat beers you should give this a shot and as it says on the back label, ” May your days be merry and bright and your Shiner be cold. Prosit!”