Rheingold Beer Review

Rheingold Beer

Review Date 1/10/2004

Try? Re-buy?

Today, if not for a number of small brewing companies that emerged on the beer scene starting in the early eighties, there would only be a handful of large companies churning out America’s beer supply. Even as things are, a small number of companies do hold the overwhelming lion’s share of the brewing business. But this was not always so.

Once, fair seized regional breweries dotted the landscape, each with their own local following. Some of them, like the Matt/Saranac Brewing Company in Utica, New York, still exist today. These breweries hold on desperately for survival; some, like Matt and Yuengling, even thrive.

Some breweries, however, were not so fortunate, and succumbed to the relentless juggernauts of the twentieth century American beer scene: Anheuser Busch, Miller, and eventually, Coors.

One of these was New York’s Liebman Brewery, purveyors of the locally popular Rheingold brand. Rheingold beer had actually been brewed in Germany before it was produced in America. Although the brand and the brewery managed to survive prohibition, it did not survive the emergence of the megabreweries, and the brewery was forced out of business in 1976.

Still, many seasoned New York beer drinkers recall the beer fondly, and banking on the established Rheingold name, a descendant of the brewery founder Samuel Liebmann revived the company in 1999. For now, the brand is only available in New York state, though it can be shipped to some areas.

I managed to procure a few samples of Rheingold beer in can and bottle forms. The bottles feature a red and white painted label that recalls the halcyon days of Rheingold’s popularity since its domestic inception in 1883.

Rheingold pours to a light golden color with a thick creamy head and a crisp malt nose. The palate is also crisp with light notes of pale malt. Rheingold is medium bodied and refreshing with a creamy, balanced finish. In many respects, it’s very similar to a mass market lager, although I find it a tad maltier and don’t pick up any annoying adjunct flavors.

How does this compare to the original Rheingold? I wasn’t a beer drinker in the early seventies, so I can’t say. I do rate the beer higher than Bud, Miller, or Coors, however. I would take a Rheingold over one of those beers any day.

Judged in its class, I think this is a solid beer. If you’re a fan of American style lagers and live in New York, you should definitely give this beer a try. It’s a great local beer with a great local history.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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