Tasting New Beers from Shmaltz Brewing Company

Just in time to feed my summer obsession with Coney Island, Shmaltz Brewing company has rolled out several new Coney Island lagers, with freak show themes. I like both Albino Python (a spiced white lager) and Sword Swallower (a classic, bitter, hopped up lager) better than the original Coney Island Lager, which I think is tasty but a little boring.

The labels are by Brooklyn-based tattoo artist Dave Wallin. If I were a better photographer, I would have done them justice.

You can taste these new beers, as well as get sneak previews of Human Blockhead and Freaktoberfest (both of which are seasonal and not technically available now) this Thursday, June 19th at Blind Tiger, starting at 6pm. There will also be hot dogs and cotton candy, naturally.

Some of the proceeds from this line go to Coney Island USA, a non-profit that's trying to save the lovely freakishness of Coney Island.

The Tasting:

Coney Island Sword Swallower (Steel Hop Lager, 6.8% alc)
Golden and clear in color, with a mild aroma, but a very big, bitter hoppy taste that goes on forever. Strong, but nicely balanced—it's not so bitter that you can hardly drink a pint, like some strongly hopped beers are.

Coney Island Albino Python (White Lager, 6% alc)
I loved this one, although you have to be a fan of beer brewed with spices to like it. It's cloudy and light in color, and tastes of aromatic orange peel and cloves. Floral and summery.