Beer Review: Owl In by New Realm Brewing

Rated 84

Aroma: 21/24
Appearance: 5/6
Flavor: 33/40
Mouthfeel: 8/10
Overall Impression: 17/20

Owl In by New Realm Brewing is an American Lager that falls under BJCP 2021 category 1A, American Light Lager.

This light-flavored, light-bodied style is best known for its macro examples (Bud/Miller/Coors Lite) targeted towards sporting events. Although this may also be for sports fans, seeing as it’s the official craft beer of the Kennesaw State Owls, it definitely separates itself from the big brands. It has a light straw color that’s not much more color than water and just as clear with immaculate clarity. There is also a bubbly white head that doesn’t stick around long. The aroma is malt-forward with some moderately light grainy, pale malt, and a bit of adjunct-like (rice?) character. Behind the malt there is a some lightly sweet red apple esters and faint hops with woody, spicy, and hay notes. The flavor is similarly malt-forward, with much of the same notes, but with a touch higher intensity. The hops are just barely there in the flavor to add a little extra complexity, while giving a moderately light bitterness to help balance the malt. Much like the rest of the beer, the body is quite light, but it does have a moderately high carbonation. With the amount of bubbles present, one would expect the head to hang around more. No adjuncts are listed, but they are presumed to be there from the malt notes and the feel at the backend as you swallow.

One of my least favorite styles there is, but I did find this one rather enjoyable. Although much of the character is muted, it is quite present compared to others. Unlike the macros, there is beer here, not just fizzy yellow water. It is quite easy drinking and one could pound several of these during an Owls game, on the lawnmower, or at the beach.