Dec. 16 - Eichbaum Landbier

Well, this is a more lively can, with the mustard yellow tractor in the wheat field.  The other landbier was pretty good, so I'm feeling hopeful.  Yet again, it's an Eichbaum product, promising enjoyment in the shade of the oak.

Very foamy and extremely light colored.  I'm a little disappointed in that.  Also barely detectable smell, I think if I didn't know it was beer I wouldn't guess.  Much more flavorful than the aroma would suggest, heavy on the sweet.  It starts out just mild, like a sweeter lager, but builds quickly into a honey flavor that sits for just a moment between the tongue and palate.  As you might imagine from the ghostly color, it is a very clean drink, little to no aftertaste, zipping right down the gullet.  Like so many of these light beers it isn't bad, but it's not what I would prefer in the winter.  They would be much more refreshing and enjoyable in the summer months.  Maybe this calendar was meant to go to Australia.

Dec. 8 - Paderborner

At least the can of Paderborner Pilger has a little more going on than the others.  More like a craft beer package might be, with its spiel for the town and history on the back.  It's said to be a historical recipe, brewed with only the best and most carefully selected ingredients, to help pilgrims and hikers relax in the beautiful natural area of the beer's birth.  Big promises!

Nice look, a sort of dirty dark gold and not too transparent.  Good fluffy head, too.  Oddly sweet aroma, although definite beeriness underlying the apple-y sort of scent.  A quick shot of malt in a sip, good presence in the mouth; this one has some body to it as well.  Not much bitterness, but there is a hint of sour aftertaste.  A kind of aura of bitterness starts to make itself known after some minutes on the table, not quite overcoming the sweetness but definitely changing the sensation for roly-poly wandering to very direction-minded.  I guess that would keep those pilgrims moving on to their destination.