Ask A Las Vegas Expert: Fall Beers To Try

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 25, 2014 7:00 am EST

As the weather in Las Vegas goes from blazing hot to just mildly hot, beer brewing for the fall also experiences a shift. The flavors get a little fuller, bolder and even spicier to mirror the change in weather. Alas, here in beautiful Las Vegas, brewmasters must live and brew vicariously through the weather patterns of the rest of the country and brew these wonderful beers despite the warm to mild climate Las Vegans know as fall. Expert brewmaster Rich Johnson will be brewing up something special at Sin City Brewing Co. and gives us a list of beers he will be enjoying this fall.

Rich Johnson
Sin City Brewing Co.
3717 Las Vegas Blvd S., Suite. 210
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 749-8864
www.sincitybeer.com

Rich Johnson has more than 25 years of experience building breweries throughout North America. Acclaimed for his award-winning beers, Johnson has been professionally brewing since the beginning of the craft revolution and was the former Director of Brewing Operations for Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants. Johnson established his own craft beer a decade ago – Sin City Brewing Co. His distinctive recipes for Sin City's beers celebrate the rich tradition and art of crafting German lagers and English ales. The Las Vegas brewing scene is on the rise currently, with five breweries under construction or opening this year alone. Here are five brews made right here in Sin City.

Oktoberfest Brew

Almost every brand brews something up for Oktoberfest. For example, Sin City Brewing Co. brews its Oktoberfest beer, Sin City Amber, year round. It has a full malt flavor, vibrant amber hue and a balanced Hallertau hop profile that translates extremely well to the Las Vegas beer audience, be it October, February or June.

Sin City Brewing Co.'s California Common

Sin City's own fall seasonal offering will be a version of the classic California Common, known as "Steam Beer." Steam beer, originated in the bay area, was originally brewed with lager yeast and without the use of refrigeration. This beer has a bold malt profile with a fruity finish, solid hopping and a crisp CO2 bite.

Big Dog Brewing Co.'s Black Lab Stout

Big Dog Brewing company one was of the first microbreweries in Las Vegas. The fullness of its Black Lab Stout, with its hints of coffee and chocolate, is perfect any time of the year. However, people tend to gravitate toward this rich dark ale more in the fall.

Related: Top Fall Drinks In Las Vegas

Gordon Biersch Brewing Co.'s Festbier

A personal favorite of Rich's, this limited release has to be enjoyed quickly and often. Festbier, served unfiltered, showcases the Munich malts that dominate the recipe. Full bodied and hopped higher than the year-round Marzen-style beer, this beer is perfect to enjoy outside in the comfortable Las Vegas fall weather.

Tenaya Creek Brewing Co.'s Tandem Double IPA

Malty flavored beers are favored this time of year and Tenaya Creek's Tandem Double IPA is a great addition to this list. Also a limited release, enjoy it for the short window of availability. A big beer at 9 percent ABV, the large malt profile and higher alcohol level complement the extreme hoppiness of this beautiful beer perfectly. You will taste all of the malty sweetness up front and the citrus and grapefruit on the back end.

Christa Emmer is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in broadcast journalism. She has experience as a news writer, editor and producer in television news. Christa has been a Las Vegas resident for more than 20 years. Follow her on twitter @ChristaEmmer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.