The Beer Critic Beer reviews for beer enthusiasts.
NO sleep till …. Brooklyn. That’s right these 2 fools back at it again. Well, I am and I don’t have enough to share. If you haven’t guessed by now I am drinking a beer from Brooklyn NY. Actually, from Coney Island, NY! Dubbed The World’s Smallest Brewery, Coney Island Brewing Company. My first go around with Coney Island was the Freaktoberfest, see it here, and it did just that, freaked me out! But this time I am having their Mermaid Pilsner.
Before I even opened this beer I love the label. The artwork is amazing. Just from the label alone I had to find out more about this brewery. I found the brewery online and the entire line of Coney Island Crafts all have uniquely designed labels that catapult you back in time to the carnival days. The designs are by art director Matt Polacheck and Brooklyn-based tattoo artist Dave C. Wallin. The logo for the brand and for Coney Island Lager is based on the iconic “Tillie” face that graced the entrance of George Tilyou’s Steeplechase Park in Coney Island.
The summer 2008 marked the official launch of Shmaltz’s Coney Island Craft Lagers line in partnership with Coney Island USA, a non-profit organization that runs the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and Museum in Brooklyn. The Shmaltz Brewing Company is an American craft brewing company based in San Francisco, California and Brooklyn, New York and was founded as “a Jewish celebration craft beer” by proprietor Jeremy Cowan. To my surprise Jeremy’s first line of beer was HE’BREW, I just happen to have a Sweet 16 waiting for me in the fridge.
Kudos to Shmaltz Brewing Company as it was named “Best American Craft Brewer” and won the “Best In Show 2010″ title by Beverage World Magazine, after being named “Breakout Brand” for 2009. Ranked in 2012 as one of the “Top 50 Brewers in the World” by RateBeer.com.
I am from New York City and love anything and everything about it. Thanks Jeremy for giving back to Coney Island and hopefully Sandy didn’t hurt you too bad. I ♥ NY!
As for the beer, it’s not your normal pilsner. The color is golden with some amber hues and has a citrus smell. The taste is bitter not all that sweet with a slight hop finish. That was a great surprise. It does have some spice too, not over powering and well balanced. Than I notice the label, it’s a dry hopped American rye pilsner. Yeah for me!
This beer is very refreshing and enjoyable; I would consider this a session beer. This beer may be seasonal in some areas and only available during summer. The first summer party I go to this year I will be bringing Coney Island’s Mermaid Pilsner. The conversation will start over the label and end opening another.
