I think that in general, GB beers receive less than a fair shake, and I find many of their German based lagers tasty, brewed close to style and generally worthy. 12 oz single from Total Wine at Perimeter, Atlanta, GA, USA. A great depth of garnet color on the pour, coupled with super clarity and a decent head, the beer looks really nice in the glass. Nose gives some really good, alcohol soaked malts with a brief promise of some toasty warmth. The beer delivers a taste that is a bit drier and...
Notes on beers brewed by
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock
Very happy to see GB bottle their beers now, as I have always felt that they are generally under-rated and get a bad rap when in fact they make some half decent beer. Not stellar, but decent, especially in one or two, specific, German style areas. Blonde Bock six pack from my local Publix supermarket, $8.99. Pour is a golden body with a nice head that forms quickly. Sadly the head is poorly retained and there is a little lace. Sweet malt nose with some alcohol and some pale malts. The tastes...
Gordon Biersch Czech Style Pilsner
The usual GB experience with this beer. Clean lines define the look of the brew, true to style with nice clarity on the pour and some very good, persistent carbonation. The beer looks good with the golden body and most importantly a well retained head that produces some nice lace. The one thing that the beer lacks is a serious Saaz like bite in the finish. There are two ways to look at this. On the plus side for the establishment it's probably brewed in that manner to keep it approachable for...
Hefeweizen
In a nutshell this is a lackluster Hefe, which, much like the GB Pils at the same establishment is somewhat true to style but seems to have all of the important attributes and elements toned down. Sure there is a cloudy yellow body, and sure there are a few clove like notes as well, but the mouthfeel is weak and the beer feels overall quite watery - in my book the cardinal sin for a Hefe. It's as if the beer has been deliberately taken down a notch or two, perhaps because the majority of the...
Gordon Biersch Märzen
12 oz single, Taco Mac, Marietta (Dallas Highwway), Marietta, GA, USA. Pleased to see this being distributed in bottles now after enjoy the same beer in various GB locations for many years. What I've also said about the GB Marzen when drunk on the premises, is that is has a great, sweet, HIGH yeast feel to it which adds hugely to it's drinkability. This bottled version seems to lack a number of those attrivbutes, and for me REALLY strongly highlights the difference between bottled beer and a...
Gordon Biersch FestBier
On tap, $4.50 served in 0.5 L German style mug with an O'fest logo. A surpringly, light orange body. Color has some macro characteristics. Head is OK but fades quite badly. Extremely yeasty in the nose and tastes with some light fruits. The alcohol seems to build a little over the course of the beer. Dry ending with even more yeast. Light esters in the nose which seem more prominent in the smell than the taste. Lingers a little. Feels pleasing, rich and full in the mouth. A bit odd in terms of...
Gordon Biersch Märzen
Say what you like about GB beers, they do tend to look good and generally they produce a reliable quality. The Marzen is, for want of a better word their "flagship" brew and as usual it is pretty steady at the relatively new, Buckhead location. Great clarity on the bright amber body, the beer is lively and vibrant. Head leaves a little to be desired but it's generally acceptable. Nose gives some quite large malts. More dryish yeast in the tastes (a GB trademark) but again more bready...
Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock
Very nice brew. Excellent color - real vibrant yellow, with a super, fluffy, rocky head that looks very inviting. A nice combination of mild hop bitterness and sweet backbone hold the beer together. An unusual combination of satisying mouthfeel and substance, along with a very drinkable and refreshing beer. I found it very easy to consume a lot of this, but be careful, the 7.0% ABV will catch up with you quickly. Nice.