Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier
Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier was first brewed back in 1978 to celebrate the brewery’s 100th anniversary. I can’t believe that I hadn’t come across this product in the years that I’ve been drinking since. I just happened to spy a bottle behind the Brauweisse that was reviewed yesterday and decided to buy the two in a package deal. It was certainly worth it.
Celebrating a century in existence would put a mighty amount of pressure on any thing associated with the event. This 5.5% ABV Dortmunder (or export) Lager is certainly worthy of the occasion. It’s a biscuity, crisp and well balanced brew that I can see filling up valuable space in my beer fridge if I can ever get my hands on it again.
Appearance
Ayinger Jahrhundert Bier pours a crystal clear, golden yellow with a frothy, bright white crown of foam.
Aroma
Grain, light toast, a touch of white pepper and distant stone fruits fill the nose with a crisp character.
Taste
All the telltale signs of a quality lager are there. Biscuity malt, grains, a soft hop character and moderate malt sweetness wash over the tongue, carried along by a crisp carbonation. The beer and flavors are reinvigorating and refresh the palate nicely. There’s a touch of fruitiness in the background that comes through a bit more as the beer has had a chance to rest in the glass for a while that lingers gently in the slightly drying finish.
Overall
I can really get behind a lager like this. It’s refreshing, has great character and drinks smoothly. I can certainly see why this brew was employed to mark such a momentous occasion. I’d be curious to know if the recipe has changed all that much since 1978 though. How does this one stack up to how it tasted 35 years ago? At any rate, I’ll definitely be on the look out for this one in the future.
Rating: 4/5
