 PhillyBeer2112 (1840), Orange Park, Florida, USA
Sep 12, 2002 (Reworded review, but not changed) The U.S. needs more lagers like this (very much in the Munich Helles style).
I was amazed I was drinking a lager - thats a bit of an
exaggeration but here’s why - its so complex! A soft
tingling of hops, and gentle ale-fruit flavors were almost
noticeable. Maltiness was soft and sweet. In all other
respects its a world-class lager: bright golden color and light
but lasting head, clean refreshing flavor and beery aroma.
An outstanding alternative to any American Standard, if thats what you like.
cb (810), Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA
Jul 10, 2004 Juicy, crisp, medium-full aroma. Wonderful full flavor of malts and hops entertwined, neither overpowering the other. Nothing dull or weak. Touch of subtle, toasted grain (oats and rye?) in the finish. One of the best helles I’ve ever had.
Parrothead (163), Ephrata, Pennsylvania, USA
Jan 21, 2007 Pours a beautiful clear golden color, with a very fluffy white, long-lasting head that leaves a wonderful lace as it goes down the glass. A near-perfect balance of sweet malt and hops - neither dominates. Finishes crisp and clean. A great example of the Munich Helles type. The first one is great, but the second really impresses, because I made sure it was served in a non-frosted mug. The first was way too cold.
Admiral (524), Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, USA
Nov 17, 2002 One of the best lagers out there. Noble hops indeed! Suggestions of hay, reasonable malt, and a picture-perfect gold with abundant head, all-around great.
TAR (1996), Boulder Co., Colorado, USA
Jul 10, 2004 Pale gold. Thick, pasty bright-white head with slowly-forming rocks. Lightly airy aroma richened with toasted pale malts and juicy hops. Subdued graham, mineral, and perfume notes. Hint of dates and honey come out as it warms. Fuzzily soft carbonation. Struts its remarkable balance right off with rich toasted malt flavors interwoven with honeyed biscuits and some hop spice. Hint of acidity lessens the sweetness and deepens the brew. Hop spice slowly wanes into a softer, juicier texture and is continually softened by the pillowy malts and fluffy body. Finishes appetizingly dry, yet with perpetually thick malt flavors, along with coarse mineral aspecta underlain with delicately juicy hops and caramel-glazed malt hulls. Very true to style with plenty of dryness to highlight the perfumey elements. Not to mention the masterfully-extracted deep malt flavors. Just awesome.
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