Known for big beers that defy and challenge style profiles, Surly’s #Merica! is one of the brewery’s more direct beers: a pre-Prohibition lager brewed for hot days with hot dogs. Pre-Prohibition is a reference to the added ingredient of flaked corn, once used in American lagers as a flavor additive. Many breweries today use corn as a cheap barley alternative instead of highlighting its flavor. Surly’s #Merica did well in our recent pilsner blind tasting, so we figured, since we’re celebrating the 4th, we’d give it a closer look.
The beer itself pours a light golden straw color with a big foamy head, consistent with the style. Aromatically it’s a familiar mix of earthy grains, hay, and biscuit malt, all of which form the backbone to this easy drinking style. Though slightly sweet up front, the corn is used to give a starchy flavor that builds more body and finishes dry and—for a lager anyway—a tad bitter. The flaked corn is nicely balanced within and gives true character to the beer. When used as a barley alternative, corn often gives a cloying sweetness, whereas here it gives depth of body and a crisp, super distinct finish.