Skip to main content

Perfect for Porch Drinking: Schlafly Hibiscus and Lemongrass Blonde

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Schlafly has been brewing beer in St. Louis, MO since 1991. That’s an eternity in the fast-paced world of craft beer, so it might be understandable if Schlafly settled for being a revered pioneer in the micro-brewing movement, resting on its original portfolio of beers. Instead, Schlafly has continued to expand, both in the size of its operational capacity and the number of beers it produces. With dozens of different main line and specialty brews, it offers something for everyone, from fans of sweet wheat ales and bitter IPAs, to those who crave barrel aged sours or thick coffee stouts.

One of Schlafly’s most exciting new additions to its stable is Hibiscus & Lemongrass Blonde Ale. Perfect for summertime porch drinking, this 4.8 percent alcohol by volume golden elixir weaves a delicate complexity into easy drinkability. Blonde ales sometimes get a bad rap for being too simple, but it’s precisely this unassuming base style that makes it ideal for experimentation. Schlafly has accepted that challenge by introducing the complementary additives of hibiscus and lemongrass to the recipe. While both of these ingredients can be subtle on their own, together, blended in the right proportions, they elevate the beer into a delicious tasting experience.

Founding Brewer Stephen Hale says, “It’s a versatile brew with assertive hops and a serious depth of flavor. You get a punch of citrus without any actual citrus at all. The tropical, fragrant lemongrass gives aromatics of lemon while the hibiscus lends complex berry-rich and tart lemon flavors.”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

That quote is spot on. From the opening pop of the cap, a sharp citrus candy aroma fills the room. That primes the palate for a medium mouthfeel beer that is refreshing with a bright carbonation. The hibiscus adds just a touch of pucker, but the malt base’s sweetness balances it back to center. It’s the sort of beer you could serve in lieu of wine at a nice dinner or enjoy at a picnic. It pairs nicely with light summertime fare from fresh cut fruit to salads or burgers.

Hibiscus & Lemongrass Blonde Ale is a part of Schlafly’s cellar selection, along with beers like Kentucky Mule Ale and Raspberry Chipotle Brown Ale. It’s available in a 750ml bottle adorned with a die-cut paper label and separate neck tag, which makes for an upscale presentation. The bottle’s look is a nice, unexpected touch at the affordable $13.99 price point. Find out more about this beer at schlafly.com.

Editors' Recommendations

Lee Heidel
Lee Heidel is the managing editor of Brew/Drink/Run, a website and podcast that promotes brewing your own beer, consuming the…
Our 5 favorite gin drinks, ranked
The best gin drinks, ranked
Gin cocktail

When it comes to spirits, there are none as unique as gin. When distilled, gin doesn’t have much flavor, save for the ingredients it’s made with. It’s not all that different from vodka. It’s the addition of juniper berries and various herbs and botanicals either in the distillation process itself (or a second distillation), through vapor infusion (the herbs and botanicals are hung in a basket in the still), or through maceration (adding the flavors to an already distilled gin) that give the gin its distinct, memorable aromas and flavors.

If you’ve ever had gin (or even sniffed it), you know the most potent ingredient is juniper berries. They are what gives gin its patented pine tree aroma and flavor. Other common ingredients include orris root, angelica root, orange peel, and licorice.

Read more
How to drink absinthe and live to tell the tale of the Green Fairy
Do you know the Green Fairy? Get to know it right here
Absinthe with sugar cubes and spoon

Mention absinthe in casual conversation, and you'll likely get a mixed bag of reactions. Some may mention hallucinations. Others may have a wild story or two about waking up on the shores of the Seine, with no memory of the past week. Some may be shy or tentative; speaking of it as a toddler might sneak a trip to the cookie jar. And even more still, particularly in the States, will be ready to spew uneducated judgment on a matter they know nothing of.
Absinthe's sultry reputation
Of course, the varying dramatic reactions could be due to many reasons. After all, the reputation of this mysterious green drink is unparalleled by any other. Blame it on Oscar Wilde, Picasso, or Baz Luhrman, but whatever ideas you have about absinthe are probably false. Well, in part. Perhaps it's time to let go of some of the mystery around the Green Fairy, however sexy that mystery is.

The most important thing to know about absinthe is that it isn't a beginner's spirit. This is because of its potency. Absinthes typically clock in between 50% and 70% alcohol by volume, so you're not going to want to fill a pint and go to town. You could, but we guarantee that you'll never, ever want to do that again.
Was absinthe illegal?
Yes, absinthe was indeed illegal in many countries for a significant period of time. Absinthe faced bans in various countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but it was mainly driven by misinformation, concerns, and fears about negative health effects, which were often exaggerated and based on impure absinthe. Competition from wine industries and political agendas played a role in some cases, too.

Read more
The best IPA beers to drink in the winter, according to bartenders
Best IPAs for winter
Beer glass

The winter months (and January) are well-known for their porters, stouts, and generally darker, bolder, richer beers. But you can only drink so many barrel-aged stouts and barleywines before looking for something lighter, hoppier, and more thirst-quenching. That’s why we spent the winter months mixing in an IPA here and there.

Why IPAs?
What’s not to love? Hazy, juicy New England-style IPAs, piney, bitter West Coast IPAs, and every other style of IPA are ideally suited for the colder months. These hoppy brews are like a tropical, dank vacation from the freezing air outside.

Read more