Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – pFriem Japanese Lager by pFriem Family Brewers

International Pale Lager | Limited Release | United States

By Nelson Crowle

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 19

pFriem Japanese Lager by pFriem Family Brewers was evaluated as a BJCP2015 2A International Pale Lager, with the consideration that Japanese Lagers typically are made with rice to add alcohol and lighten the body. Pours a clear yellowish light straw with a huge poofy white head of tiny bubbles that holds together nicely. Aroma is a very light bready note with hints of graininess and a very light floral hop character. The flavor follows the aroma with a light grainy malt character, a hint of floral hops, and just a smidge of black pepper. With a light body and moderately high carbonation, this beer is well attenuated and finishes dry and crisp with a low clean alcoholic presence, inviting another sip. Very low and smooth bittering. Very refreshing when cold. Very clean fermentation with almost no yeast esters or phenolics. This is a difficult beer to brew because there is nowhere to hide any defects — and this beer has none!  This beer would be great after a strenuous rock climb, or paired with sushi with some wasabi, washing away the spicy notes with each sip.