There was a period of time before prohibition when local breweries abounded, there was no decently populated area that did not have a local brewery. These local breweries were an important part of their community, and the locals were fiercely loyal to their beer. One brewery, founded in the late 1800’s, keeping the tradition of a local beer alive is Straub’s in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. Thanks to a friend who is originally from the area I have the Straub’s Special Dark to review today.

The Straub’s Special Dark isn’t dark at all but is in fact a traditional American Lager that pours a clear amber color. It pours with about one finger of foamy head that diminishes by the time you are halfway through the beer. The aromas coming off of the beer are pretty traditional, with a small twist. It smells at first like a traditional lager, but there is a bit more sweetness behind with a bit of caramel and nuttiness thrown in as well.

Unfortunately, the flavors seem a bit muted and slightly watered down but the ones that do stand out are pleasant and make for a very drinkable beer. A good amount of malt allows some of the caramel sweetness to come through but not as much as one would expect given the nose. There are also a good amount of bread-like flavors present as well. There is the slightest hit of bitter hops, and right at the end, the sweetness from the nose makes itself known. What this beer reminds me of is if somebody took a Yuengling Lager and decided to make it a bit more sweet and slightly more complex.

Overall, I’m pleased with the Special Dark, but it didn’t leave me wanting more. I like what Straub’s is doing, just brewing away in St. Marys and not trying to rock the boat and keeping their tradition going. I believe that in the Special Dark they have a decent platform to build off of should they choose to get a bit more adventurous and branch out.

Overall: 6/10