If you’ve been spending any time in the Karrikin taproom in the last year – you’ve probably seen this beer up on the tap board. Their Czech Dark Lager (or Czech-style I suppose…) has quickly become a fan favorite, and the brewery/distillery has made the brilliant decision to let it hit the canning line to please those fans. It joins their Pils and Citra IPA as one of only a couple beers that have made it into this distinguished club of releases… and it isn’t surprising when you give it a taste.

Spoiler alert – it’s delicious.

What’s With This… A Dark Lager?

If you pay attention to the things I say, you’d know by now that I have an insane love for lagers, all shades of them. I love the gamut from light pilsners, to coppery Oktoberfsts to the dark Schwarzbiers that I love getting my hands on. I can’t get enough. It surprises me, though, how many folks still don’t know about the dark lagers that I love so much – they think that dark beer means heavy, big, thick, boozy… it’s a misconception that I’m more than happy to smash at any opportunity.

For Karrikin, this beer was born from a trip to the Czech Republic by owners Eric and Rebecca Baumann in the fall of 2019. They were going to explore the beer scene and were advised to make a stop at U Flekû – one of the oldest brewpubs in the region, that just happens to specialize in (you guessed it!)… dark lager. When I say that this brewpub is old… we’re talking OLD. They’re celebrating their 520th anniversary this year.

Of course… you can’t go to a place like that and not fall in love, which is exactly what happened, and exactly what birthed this beer. Upon returning, Eric was dedicated to bringing this beer to life, to pay homage to their travels and to reminisce and share a little bit about their experience with fans of Karrikin.

About The Beer

Perfect for a nice quiet, fall evening. Karrikin’s Dark Lager comes in at 4.8% ABV and 24 IBUs. They brewed it with dehusked roasted, Munich, and Pilsner malts, along with Czech Saaz hops.

It’s easy drinking, while still packed with full flavor and a character that makes gives it plenty of personality. You’ll be able to find it in retail, bar and restaurant coolers across the Greater Cincinnati area starting this week… so go grab you some and let me know what you think about it!!!

As always, if you want to know more about Karrikin, you can read a ton here on the website, but you might want to head to their website as well… or maybe give them a follow on Facebook!