​The Seasonal Drinking Debate … Whatever Side You’re on, You’re Right!
With Saint Louis summer already in full swing, many customers have commented on how great our menu is right now. Beers like German Wheat, Civil Lager, Pink Boots Table Beer, Czech Pilsner, Dortmunder, and Carlbock are refreshing staples for summer drinking.
 
A vocal minority of drinkers, however, has voiced the opinion that any day is the right day for a stout, regardless of the weather. These beer lovers enjoy full-bodied beers with rich, layered roast character.
 
Right now, in addition to our classic American Brown Ale, we have our popular Milk Stout as well as our Extra Stout. The Milk Stout’s lactose-derived silkiness and smoky roast notes have earned it a loyal following. Two Thursday regulars have nicknamed it “Milky” and order it whenever it is on the board.
 
The Extra Stout’s full mouth feel and deep, earthy roast character, coupled with an intriguing herbaceous note have made it a new favorite. Many converts to this great beer will order it on the hottest day, and their looks of satisfaction suggest that this beer remains refreshing despite its strong flavors and substantial body.
 
Unfortunately the supply of both Milk Stout and Extra Stout is getting low. Given the number of seasonal drinkers, sales have slowed with the hot weather, but their days are numbered nonetheless. Enjoy them while we have them!
 
When supplies run out, comfort yourself with an American Brown. Or experiment with a lighter style. Rest assured that no Civil Life beer—lager or ale—skimps on flavor. And rest assured, too, that our classic Porter will be returning by the start of fall. Stay tuned for news of other dark beers slated for brewing later this year.
 
And, seasonal drinkers, know that our lager yeast strain is going strong and plenty of great summer quaffers will be available this summer and into fall. And everyone can enjoy some truly refreshing styles that defy being associated with one time of year only. Styles like STL Best and Vienna Lager are lighter bodied but have great toasted malt complexity and clean finishes.
 
The Civil Life is your pub for every season. Drink what you like when you like it. Just be sure to Drink Civil and Be Civil.

#Carlbock Makes a Triumphant Return and an Old Favorite Will Soon Flow for the World Cup
 
Few beers in the world command as fanatical a following as #Carlbock, a complex strong golden lager styled like the classic Maibocks and Hellesbocks of Germany. It is on tap now at the Civil Life and available until Matt and Paul drink it all.
 
The origins of #Carlbock are shrouded in mystery and go back to the earliest days of our brewery … before we opened, in fact. In those days, a man of many talents called simply “Carl” volunteered his efforts to expedite the opening of the Civil Life.
 
Our three founders were busy building the Civil Life themselves. These three styled themselves “The Three Wise Men,” though they were commonly referred to as “The Three South City Drinkers.” Carl stepped in with his keen knowledge of paint and drywall and things really started happening.
 
He also boosted morale and reminded the founders that too much time playing ping pong and eating microwave burritos would only delay the realization of their dream. When the building was ready, Carl asked only that the Civil Life someday brew a bock beer, a style he greatly enjoys.
 
When the tasty golden lager was ready, it was named for Carl. #Carlbock (that is, “Hashtag Carlbock”), created a social media storm. Called by some, the beer that made Twitter famous, #Carlbock quickly became a legend. Come down and taste for yourself.
 
And soon, GOAL!den Ale returns to our taps. We brew it for our friends at Amsterdam Tavern in time for the World Cup Soccer Matches. They will start pouring it tomorrow. This crisp golden beer is a very refreshing blonde with subtle hop character. It will pair well with Dam Burgers and hand-cut fries.
 
As crisp as a lager, but an ale, its civilizing qualities are unmatched, turning even seasoned lager louts into gentlemen. After a couple of pints, Barcelona fans have embraced Real Madrid followers, and Manchester United stalwarts have begun dancing spontaneously with Liverpool diehards.
 
GOAL!den Ale comes soon to the taps at the Civil Life. Until then, head down to the Amsterdam on Morganford for a refreshing pint of this classic. Clink glasses with someone wearing a rival’s colors. Enjoy the coming matches and Be Civil!

​Coming Soon to a Can Near You … German Wheat
 
We continue to use a mobile canning unit to offer you more choices for drinking civil in as many formats as possible until we have our own canning line as our long-planned expansion unfolds. Early regulars will have noticed that our canned offerings thus far have leaned heavily on the first beers we brewed: American Brown, British Bitter (a.k.a. “Craft Beer” in the generic can), and Rye Pale Ale. Now, one of our original beers from September 2011 will be available in cans … German Wheat.
 
From early on, German Wheat has been a crowd favorite. During the summer, it remains a best seller to this day. When we are out, certain of our German Wheat fans make their satisfaction known in no uncertain terms. Rest assured, we currently have it on draft, and now have it in cans, available to go from our pub.
 
Summer is a great time to enjoy this style, though it goes down smoothly any time of year. This unfiltered wheat ale combines pilsner malt with three types of wheat. We use the classic German Weihenstephan yeast strain, known for its subtle notes of banana and clove. Traditional noble hops add a hint of spice.
 
This beautiful opaque, pale yellow beer has a snow-white head and grainy malt character with a hint of sweetness. The notes of clove and banana are more subdued than in some examples of the style. It is a supremely refreshing choice.
 
And summer in Saint Louis requires refreshment. The season is also rich with outdoor activities that often discourage glass containers. Cans are your solution. Whether floating on one of our scenic rivers or meeting friends at an outdoor music event, have plenty of German Wheat cans on hand (and American Brown Ale and Angel and the Sword, while supplies last).
 
Trends in beer and beer packaging will come and go, but be certain in the knowledge that it’s always in style to be civil and to drink civil. Even in settings where civility is in short supply, raise your can and set the civil trend. Be an ambassador of the civil life (and the Civil Life).  And be sure to join us June 7 for German Wheat in cans––civil refreshment just in time for summer!

June is here already and one of our most popular T-shirts is back in stock just in time for Pride Fest. Our “Be Civil” slogan is printed in rainbow colors on a stylish black T-shirt. Celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of the Tower Grove neighborhood and spread a message our society needs to hear: Be Civil!
 
This same message is printed in eye-catching red on our new tote bags. They’re perfect for trips to the Tower Grove Farmers Market. Take them to the store when you are supporting the local businesses in the area, like Local Harvest and Gustine Market. Use them to transport your growlers to the pub for refills. Or use them at the new Fresh Pour growler filling station at the Hampton Village Schnucks, proudly pouring local craft beers, including Civil Life.
 
Consider a growler koozee with our logo. It’s the perfect way to protect those glass growlers and insulate your beer so it’s kept deliciously cool. And if glass isn’t an option, stop by the pub for some cold six packs. American Brown and Angel and the Sword were joined this week by German Wheat, giving you three great options for occasions when glass isn’t ideal.
 
And while your beer is protected and staying cool, protect your dome with a classic Civil Life mesh-back ball cap. It’s the perfect match for your collection of Civil Life T-shirts. And it provides cool protection for German-Wheat-Fueled yard work.
 
Be careful while mowing around your new “Be Civil” yard sign. Let your home send our message of civility. These signs have been popping up all around town. Stop in and get one if you haven’t already done so. We have plenty, even though our regular Michael tried to buy all of them and plant them in his front yard.
 
Michael, as you know, is this year’s Pete and Justine Hafner Memorial (Even Though They’re Not Dead Yet) Customer of the Year Award winner. He is fanatical about spreading the message of civility (and reading obscure books about wood working). He recently moved just down the street and we have been struggling with the mixed emotions associated with his even more frequent visits to our pub. His award entitles him to ¾ of an ounce of FREE Civil Life Beer each day (served in a miniature lead chalice).
 
Join Michael and your friends at the Civil Life in spreading our message: Be Civil. And stop in soon for cold canned beer, growlers, tote bags, and your new summer wardrobe. See you soon!