February 2025: Exploring Tradition and Innovation with St. Laurentius Brewery
This month, we turn our spotlight on St. Laurentius Brauerei, a small but ambitious brewery blending classic Bavarian techniques with modern brewing approaches. Their beers respect German brewing heritage but take creative detours when hops and malts call for it. The brewery’s mastery of lager and ale styles shines in this selection, offering a wide array of tasting experiences. Here’s what’s on tap for February:
Hell Lager
Style: Helles Lager 4.8%
The Hell Lager from St. Laurentius is a textbook interpretation of Bavarian elegance—bright, crisp, and refined. Expect a malty backbone of fresh bread crust with floral hints and a whisper of noble hop bitterness. Its clean profile allows the sweetness of Pilsner malt to shine without being cloying, making it an excellent pairing with grilled bratwurst, potato salad, or pretzels dipped in mustard.
Pale Ale
Style: Pale Ale (American-inspired) 5.6%
Bursting with aromatic citrus and tropical fruits, this Pale Ale leans into its hop-forward character. Grapefruit zest and a touch of pine play on the palate, balanced by a caramel malt undertone that softens the bitterness. While still sessionable, it offers enough punch to satisfy hop lovers. Try it with burgers, spicy wings, or cheddar cheese for a delightful contrast.
Red Ale
Style: Red Ale 5.8%
A warming, malty delight with toffee, caramel, and dried fruit notes. The Red Ale is brewed with precision, layering rich malt flavors with light roasted undertones and a touch of herbal bitterness. The finish leans slightly nutty, adding complexity. Pair it with roasted meats, BBQ ribs, or sharp aged cheeses like Gruyère.
Dunkel Lager
Style: Dunkel (Dark Lager) 5.0%
Classic in every way, the Dunkel Lager from St. Laurentius pays homage to Munich’s darker beers with notes of toasted bread, dark chocolate, and a hint of caramel sweetness. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with a clean lager finish that avoids heaviness. Excellent with roasted pork, grilled sausages, or earthy mushroom dishes.
Hopfengold
Style: Golden Lager 4.8%
Hopfengold lives up to its name—golden and vibrant with floral, grassy hops on the nose. Light, bready malts support fruity esters, giving it a soft, balanced finish. The hops provide a delicate bitterness, perfect for pairing with seafood, roasted chicken, or soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
Style: IPA 6.0%
This modern IPA from St. Laurentius delivers waves of tropical and citrus flavors—think mango, passionfruit, and orange zest—while remaining well-balanced thanks to its malt foundation. The bitterness is assertive but not overwhelming, making it a great choice for spicy curries, tacos, or blue cheese.
This selection offers a journey through classic and hop-driven styles, providing a balance between malty comfort and hoppy excitement. Enjoy these beers as you explore both the time-honored German brewing tradition and its bold contemporary interpretations. Prost!