Judge’s Review: 92 Rating – Tora! by Fall Brewing Co.

International Pale Lager | Year-Round | USA

By Rick Franckhauser

Judges Rating: 92.00
Aroma: 22.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 37.00
Mouthfeel: 9.00
Overall Impression: 18.00

Tora! by Fall Brewing Co. is being judged as BJCP category 31A, Alternate Grain Beer, with a base style of BJCP category 2A, International Pale Lager. The BJCP has not established specific guidelines for Japanese Rice Lagers. Since they have been growing in popularity in recent years, and I have had the pleasure of sampling several versions, I will say that the key characteristics I look for in the style are a light, refreshing, crisp, clean, and quite dry lager beer. The addition of rice is key to the light body and, depending on the type and quantity of the rice addition, may add some light floral notes. Most examples have some low-level grainy malt and often employ noble-type hops.

Tora! opens with moderately low levels of spicy hops, with a touch of herbal notes behind them. The first impression of the hop aroma was reminiscent of a Czech Pilsner. The accompanying malt is lightly grainy and takes a back seat to the hops. Fermentation is clean, with nothing off or out of place. A low-level floral aroma is noted retronasally that I believe is associated with the rice rather than the hops. The beer is a very light golden color and brilliantly clear, with lots of tiny bubbles ascending. It is topped with a big, creamy white head that drops to a lingering cap with surprisingly long retention.

The flavor first provides more of the herbal hops found in the aroma, with the spicy hop notes coming in a little later. The floral aspects arrive mid-palate and are reminiscent of gardenias, tasting like gardenias smell, which is interesting and enjoyable. There is light Pils malt graininess with some low-level white bread. The malt is a little closer in balance with the hops in the flavor, though the hops are still in the driver’s seat. The bitterness is somewhat low and leads to a slightly sweeter finish than is typical. The beer still finishes clean and crisp. There is a hint of the herbal hops and a touch of sweetness that carry into the aftertaste. The body is medium-light with moderate levels of carbonation. Some slight carbonic prickling helps clean the palate, but it is not astringent. It seems a touch too full for the style and perhaps could use some additional carbonation.

Overall, I really enjoyed this beer. The floral notes are interesting and pleasant. Fermentation is clean and the beer is nicely conditioned. The hops and malts all seem integrated and provide a subtle complexity to a light beer. It is easy drinking and refreshing. My biggest ding would be the level of sweetness, which keeps it from finishing as crisp and dry as I think the style should. While I don’t think a Japanese Rice Lager needs to be bone dry, a crisp, dry finish does seem to be a hallmark of the style. As noted, a little more carbonation may have helped. Having said that, I would not turn this beer away. Definitely an all-day drinker.