The Jersey Shore is home to surf, sun and the beach, loved by many locals and tourists (aka bennies, shoobies, etc.) alike. Jokes aside, the population in the summer skyrockets but is back to normal levels by Labor Day. As the weather turns cold, the number of people dwindles and shore communities turn into ghost towns. Some who stay behind and are not “locals,” per se, stay in relatively affordable “winter rentals,” which is where Beach Haus Brewery’s seasonal release Winter Rental got its name.

The Beer

Winter Rental is a 5.2% ABV German-Style Schwarzbier, also known as a black lager. It pours completely black and fully opaque with an off-white head. An aroma of dark chocolate and coffee comes through with subtle hints of burnt caramel and even wood and pear, most likely from the hop bill, which seems noble. The taste is upfront woodsy and floral from a hop tang that turns into earthy coffee grounds and underlying caramel. Winter Rental is fairly sharp for a beer that has what seems to be less-than-average carbonation for the style. However, it keeps this full-bodied lager very drinkable without being sticky or sweet.

Beach Haus Brewery’s Winter Rental is a highly recommended beer for the upcoming winter season. Winter Rental seems to have something for fans on either side of the light vs. dark spectrum. This beer is a prime example of a style which can bring light beer drinkers who dislike huge, sticky sweet brews to the dark side. In my opinion, this is the best black lager available and I drink it every year. Cheers!

Feature image courtesy of Beach Haus Brewery’s Facebook page.

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