Judge’s Review: 86 Rating – Adoptable Lager by Motorworks Brewing

International Pale Lager | Year-Round | United States

By Dan Preston

Judges Rating: 86
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 34
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 17

Adoptable Lager by Motorworks Brewing is a golden lager that would best fit under BJCP category 2A, International Pale Lager.
The beer pours a deep yellow color, but not quite golden in color, with a bright white head that unfortunately doesn’t carry great retention fading to a thin rim fairly quickly. It has brilliant clarity without a lick of haze, so much so you could see your fingerprints thru the glass. The aroma is malt-forward with grainy, crackery notes and some doughy character – similar to Wheat Thins. The malt is followed by moderately light noble-like spicy/earthy hops and a fairly clean lager character with some light red apple-like esters. Red apple (ethyl hexanoate) is an acceptable yeast character in lagers in low levels, unlike green apple (acetaldehyde) which is considered an off-flavor. The flavor is similar but more balanced and showcasing more hops (light grassy, earthy, mild orange — Saaz/Hallertau like), but with a medium-low bitterness that’s not nearly as high as a pilsner. It finishes with a soft, crisp mouthfeel, that’s semi-dry with a light body. This beer is very quaffable and great for the summer heat, with a great amount of flavor for the style in a low-ABV package.
Bonus points for supporting dogs in need of adoption.