New Glarus Totally Naked
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Tasting Notes
Soft grain and faint sweet corn on the nose, with a clean malt center that stays light and unpretentious. The hop presence is minimal — just enough to keep the finish from going flat — and the body stays lean without feeling watery. There's a quiet breadiness underneath that separates it from the most anonymous macro lagers. The finish is dry and brief, which keeps you reaching back.
About the Brewery
New Glarus Brewing is based in New Glarus, Wisconsin, founded in 1993 by Dan and Deb Carey. They're best known for Spotted Cow, a hazy farmhouse ale that's become something close to a Wisconsin cultural institution. The brewery distributes exclusively within Wisconsin, which has turned their beers into a point of regional pride — and occasional out-of-state obsession. Their range spans fruit beers, Belgian-influenced ales, and approachable session styles, all built with serious technical care.
Food Pairings
Bratwurst and grilled sausages are a natural fit here, since the beer's light grain character won't compete with the pork fat. A simple summer salad with vinaigrette works because the dry finish resets the palate between bites. Fish fry — a genuine Wisconsin Friday tradition — pairs well because the lean body mirrors the delicacy of fried perch or walleye without overwhelming it. Sharp cheddar, especially aged Wisconsin cheddar, provides enough salt and funk to give the beer something to push against.
Style Guide
American lager is defined by its restrained malt profile, very low bitterness, light body, and high attenuation — meaning it finishes dry with little residual sweetness. The style evolved from European lager traditions brought over by German immigrants in the 19th century, then shifted toward lighter, more adjunct-forward versions as mass production took hold in the 20th century. What separates a craft take like this from macro examples is typically better malt character and cleaner fermentation, without adjuncts like rice or corn syrup pushing the flavor toward blandness. ABV generally runs between 4% and 5%.