Skyscraper Lug Nut Lager

21-May-08 (12-oz bottle: Purchased 12-May-08 for $1.79 at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, CA) Good to see a new brewery in the Los Angeles area. Lug Nut Lager has aromas of dry hay, light caramel, corn, dust, and floral hops. Dry and toasty on the palate, but with some corn husks to muddy things up. Following stylistic expectations, the hops have a somewhat aggressive profile, offering moderate bitterness and a floral, grassy and dusty flavor, but the beer actually remains quite balanced. There’s also a modest English-style nutty and buttery character throughout. Medium-bodied, reasonably clean and crisp on the palate, and medium in carbonation. The beautifully clear, amber body is capped by a small, off-white head that fully dissipates, leaving no lacing at all on the glass. This will never be a style I’ll fall in love with, but this beer is decent and very drinkable.

This California Common pours a deep brown color from a 12oz bottle. Small sized white foamy head. The aroma is malty, fruity and sweet. A medium bodied California Common. The malts are fruity and sweet, with some caramel. The hops are earthy and a touch citrusy. Has the steam beer mouthfeel, with a slight hop kick. Soft carbonation. Mouthfeel is soft and round. Finish is crisp and clean. The aftertaste is a touch bitter and a little cardboardish.

Had it in bottle, poured into a pint glass. This beer is better when warmed up. When really cold, doesn’t have much flavor. Phil puts love into this beer, which should be the sixth aspect of rating this beer. I’d give him full points for love and effort. Support your local brewery, and host your next bbq with a keg of Lug Nut Lager!

Amber, small head. Aroma and taste of a decent lager, nothing too special but nothing too off either. As a first beer of the day it’s quenching, crisp, malty and good.