Highland Brewing Clawhammer
You know it’s time to start preparing for the end of Summer when Oktoberfest beers start showing up on shelves. Highland Brewing has been releasing Clawhammer (a 5% ABV marzen-style brew) since 2008 and, according to Untappd, I’ve enjoyed the beer prior to this sample from the company. I liked it then and I like it now, so let’s give it an official review.
Clawhammer is brewed with traditional German malts (2 Row, Munich, Vienna, Caramel and Pilsen) as well as the appropriate noble hops (Hallertau Mittlefrue and German Spalt Select). The result is a beer that hits just about all the marks required to meet the style’s expectations. Bready malt, light fruits, a slightly more pronounced hop presence (flavor not bitterness) and a peppery tingle mix well with each other, presenting a clean drinking and satisfying brew.
Highland have themselves a tasty brew with Clawhammer. It’s got a solid flavor and is arriving on shelves at just the right time, mentally preparing drinkers to say goodbye to the Summer months. I’m looking forward to the cooler months to come and, perhaps, even a few more bottles of this Oktoberfest brew.
This is a review of a promotional sample.