Dodge City Brewing Blog

One of our flagship beers is a Classic American Pilsner called 1872 Lager. Why 1872 Lager? Because that was the year Dodge City was founded and this beer tastes the way beer tasted in the late 19th century. Classic American Pilsners, also known as Pre-Prohibition Lagers were first brewed by German immigrants during the Mid-1800s, with brewing expertise and yeast brought with them from the old country. One of the defining characteristics of the beer was that the brewers had to use ingredients available in America. The malt was domestic six-row instead of the more refined two-row used in Europe. The smaller barley corns resulted in more husk material being included in the mash, causing a harsher and more grainy character. To smooth out the flavor the brewers utilized an adjunct, either flaked corn or flaked rice. The other difference was the use of domestic hops, primarily Cluster, which was not as refined as the “noble” varieties of Germany. The differences gave the original American Pilsner its own unique character. These were substantial beers with moderately high maltiness, medium to high hop flavor, and medium to high hop bitterness. The beers featuring flaked corn exhibited a distinctive sweetness, while the beers with rice were clean and crisp. If you haven’t guessed by now Samurai Cowboy uses a flaked rice adjunct and for historical accuracy Cluster hops. This is your Great-Grandpa’s pilsner. Bigger and bolder, but delicious and refreshing. Cheers Dodge City! Tasting notes: Sweet grainy malt complimented by earthy, floral, and fruity hop flavors. It finishes firmly bitter, crisp, and clean.