New Glarus Two Women
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Tasting Notes
This lager leads with a clean, lightly grainy aroma and a subtle floral note from the hops. On the palate it's soft and rounded, with a gentle malt sweetness balanced by mild bitterness — nothing sharp or aggressive. The body is light to medium, and the finish is dry and relatively short, leaving the palate clean. It's a well-made example of an American lager with noticeably more character than mass-market counterparts.
About the Brewery
New Glarus Brewing is based in New Glarus, Wisconsin, founded in 1993 by Deborah and Dan Carey. The brewery is widely respected for its fruit beers — particularly Spotted Cow and Wisconsin Belgian Red — and has cultivated a strong regional identity by distributing exclusively within Wisconsin. That intentional scarcity has made their beers something of a point of pride for Wisconsin residents and a target for out-of-state collectors.
Food Pairings
Bratwurst with mustard works well here because the malt softness cushions the fatty snap of the sausage. Mild cheddar lets the beer's subtle grain character show without competition. Fried fish pairs naturally because the dry finish cuts through oil without overwhelming delicate white fish flavor. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is a low-contrast match where the beer's light body keeps pace without dominating. Roasted chicken also fits, as the beer's gentle malt sweetness complements the savory skin without clashing.
Style Guide
American lager is defined by its use of adjunct grains — typically corn or rice — alongside barley malt, producing a lighter body and a cleaner, drier profile than European counterparts. The style evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as large American breweries scaled production and adapted lager traditions to local ingredients and consumer preferences. Hop presence is low and bitterness is restrained, which distinguishes it from pilsners, where hop character plays a more prominent role. ABV typically falls in the 4–5.5% range, and the focus is on drinkability and grain-forward cleanness rather than complexity.