Judge’s Review: 91 Rating – Original Lager by Black Abbey Brewing Co.

Munich Helles | Year-Round | USA

By Dan Martich

Judges Rating: 91.00
Aroma: 22.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 37.00
Mouthfeel: 9.00
Overall Impression: 17.00

Original Lager by Black Abbey Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Munich Helles (Category 4A) from the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines. 
This beer opens with aromas of sweet malt with a touch of bread, complemented by low floral hop notes. Crisp white cracker-like qualities emerge with a very dry lager yeast character and a faint hint of sulfur. The beer poured a very clear yet vibrant yellow, with moderately high visible carbonation. It was topped with a fluffy white head that helped release the aromatic elements.

Malty notes dominate the flavor, with bready, doughy characteristics and a slight touch of biscuit. Hop flavor is very low and leans herbal. What stands out most is the bitterness—it feels high for the style, where a Munich Helles typically finishes soft and slightly malty, balanced with mild hop bitterness. Here, the bitterness overshadows that expected balance, though the finish remains clean and dry.

The mouthfeel has a medium-light body with moderate carbonation. No warming alcohol or astringent mouthfeel detected.


Original Lager is an easy-drinking beer with pronounced malt-forward flavors that capture much of the style’s essence. However, the bitterness is slightly elevated for a Munich Helles and would ideally sit at a medium-low level. That said, as the palate adjusts with continued sipping, the initial bitterness becomes less prominent.