Sweetwater Tavern Helles out of Dodge Lager

Tap at Centreville location. Maybe this just isn’t as good as years past, but I found this to be very average. Compared to the Naked River Light (house light beer), I felt the taste was very similar. Only had one of these, but doubt I’d order it again. Pours straw yellow color with two-finger head. Light malt, straw flavor, pale malt but no real hops to balance with. Not sure what everyone else sees in this brew.

Had this on tap (as well as a few of their others) at the Sterlign, VA location. Wow, what a beer this year. Exceptionally flavorfull, smooth, and a real pleasnt brew. Light malt on the tongue, pours a light amber. Light hops, sweet and lightly malty. No hint of bitterness. Probably one of the better brews I’ve had this year, and wished I had gone back with a growler. (April 2006 Batch)

On tap at the Sterling location with The_Beer_God. Things didn’t get off to a great start when all the beers in the sampler were served in iced glasses, but this one had warmed up to optimum temperature by the time I got to it. I don’t normally get excited about lagers in general, but this was something of a revelation. Vibrant gold colour. Some floral hop notes in the aroma. Excellent balance of pale malt and citric hops in the flavour. Smooth and crisp. Right up there with the Germans. In fact, I found the slightly more assertive hop character a distinct improvement on most German examples. The best beer on offer, which was very pleasant surprise.

Had this on draft at Sweetwater Tavern in Sterling on 11/21/04. Alcohol listed at 6.7%. Amber body. Nose is grassy, lightly malted, spicy with light floral notes. Taste is grassy, spicy and nicely hopped with some medium maltiness. This balances it out nicely. Medium bodied. Finishes with more grass notes, spice, and rich malts. Noice beer!

Clear shiny gold. Nose crisp, hoppy, abd sweet. Malty and sticky, nice hops with a bit of a citric kick. Very good.