Saturday Beer Review: Yuengling Traditional Lager

If you've ever walked into a bar in the Mid-Atlantic region of this country, you've undoubtedly heard of Yuengling. If you've known The Common Man long enough, you've hoisted a pint or 20 with him. The name sings off the tongue, a sweet note of nonsense that sounds like something The Boy would say while he holds a conversation with a strainer he's about to put on top of his head. D.G. Yuengling & Sons, Inc. bills itself as the oldest brewery in the U.S. (circa 1829), and makes several fine products. The flagship, however, is the Yuengling Traditional Lager, known affectionately around the state as simply "Lager."



Yuengling benefits from being refreshing, flavorful, and cheap. Cheaper than everything except the American waters who pass themselves off as lagers. Indeed, Yuengling is a true lager, full-bodied and flavorful. Muddier and darker than your Budweisers. If you like beer, and are looking for a good, inexpensive, but not heavy beer, you've found your man.

The flavor is difficult to describe, other than "beery." Perhaps "balanced" is a better and more appetizing term. You won't find the hops outmuscling the caramel malt, nor will you be burdened by a heavy aftertaste. In fact, Yuengling rinses clean away, and just as easy to gulp as it is to sip. The Common Man heartily endorses sharing a pitcher with friends. The bottles are good, but the beer appeals to so many palettes that it's best to share and bond. So enjoy the pride of Pottsville, PA (a close second: author John O'Hara) without reservation. Don't be fooled by the funny name and go for something familiar; you'll miss out and you may never have a chance to say the word "Yuengling" again.

Sorry for the relatively short review. The Common Man was in Delaware most of the day.