Shiner Premium
The newly rebranded Shiner Premium (formerly Shiner Blond) was originally brewed in 1909 and served as the company’s flagship beer for many decades. It’s being remarketed as a beer that “…will take you back and treat you right,” according to the press sheet that arrived with this complimentary bottle. Well, I’m not nearly old enough to have had the opportunity to be taken back, but I did enjoy this light, crisp lager.
Shiner Premium is what I would consider a ball game beer. It weighs in at a nearly sessionable 4.4% ABV, refreshes the palate and goes down smoothly. The only thing missing is a clear or red solo cup in my hand. The beer as an approachable flavor profile that is fairly simple and straightforward, yet won’t bore you with any sort of blandness.
Appearance
Pouring with a small cap of white foam, Shiner Premium certainly looks like a lighter-fared lager with its pale yellow color.
Aroma
Grain, softly toasted bread and a hint of citrus combine for a rather subdued yet inviting nose.
Taste
Shiner Premium is a drinks smooth and clean as grain, bread and a light malt sweetness travel toward the refreshing and slightly dry finish. The crisp, active carbonation makes this beer perfect for outdoor enjoyment. There’s a hint of a hop presence late with a slight bitterness.
Overall
This is the ideal Summer activity brew. It’s not overly complex. It drinks easy and brings just the right amount of flavor and refreshment to satisfy the palate while sitting at the grill, picnic or what have you. Shiner Premium may not be the second coming of a barrel-aged black india saison, but what it lacks in over-reaching goals, it more than makes up for with the simple goal of quenching your thirst. I can certainly see myself knocking back a few of these after mowing the yard.
Rating: 3/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
