Review: Local Option Bierwerker Dampf Loc

Brewery:  Local Option Bierwerker

Locale:  Brewed at Dog Brewing Co., Westminster, Maryland via Chicago

Craft Circa:  2011

Style:  Bavarian Ale

ABV:  5.3%

Notables:  There are limited quantities once a year around Fall.  Tap or bottle at a select few and fortunate locations.

Label:  Local Option approved?  Good enough for me.

Overall:   Honestly…  I came across this beer in our local store, and merely got it because of the Local Option stamp of approval, knowing nothing further.  I’ll get into Local Option later for you interstate, international, or just living under a rock Chicagoan followers.  

The beer is really, really good.  Reading about it beforehand there were different versions of the story behind Dampf Loc:  Is it a Bavarian Ale, Dampfier, Traditional Ale, California Common, or Steam Beer?  Whatever, it’s a great beer.  The ale contains a pleasant blend of malt, hops, flavors, the whole hashbang.  Per the Local Option website, this “Dampf Loc” is an all-barley warm fermented ale brewed originally crafted by medieval peasant inhabitants of southeast Bavaria.  During the fermentation process generous amounts of foam and surface bubbles burst in the tank, giving the illusion that the ferment is boiling or “steaming.” 

Why did I jump all over the Local Option stamped beer in our local grocer?  Well the stamp represents one of their many homebrews crafted and created by one of their own.  Read more about their story here.  

The Local Option is one of the cooler, hipster if you will, establishments in the Chicagoland area.  They continuously have a great selection of beers, both hard to find brews, rarities, hidden gems and even batches specifically created for this local option… pun intended.  I’ve had a couple of these Local Option specific batches in the past, and the worst part about it, is that you leave there pouting that you can’t purchase it anywhere else. 

Acquisition:  Irish Pint - $9

Windfall:  Local option goes through plenty of beers, and they rotate their taps continuously.  Their chalkboard changes constantly and in my opinion, that’s what it’s all about:  Look for the chalkboard.  My theory, whether you are wondering if you have walked into a beer geek worthy, snobs of brew approved, fine craft establishment, look for the chalkboard.  The chalkboard indicates they take their beer turnover seriously and you’ll get a great pour every time.  A good portion of the time, their Facebook page cover art will contain their most recent chalkboard, and is one of the many reasons Brews and Beyond likes and follows the Local Option.

~gY