Grave Shift

Grave Shift by Lost Generation Brewing is a Dark Lager that would fall into either BJCP 2021 category 3D Dark Czech Lager or 8B Schwarzbier. Although it would score well in either category, as the Dark Czech can carry higher levels of hops, roast and malt, I think this category is where it fits best.

It pours a very deep brown that is nearly black, but has great clarity around the edges with cherry wood hues. It also comes with a big, frothy tan head that likes to cling to the glass. The aroma is rather complex for its size, with a good balance of hops and malt. You get a variety of different notes from the malt: light chocolate, toasted marble rye, freshly roasted coffee, a bit of caramel and the noble-esque hops — grassy, peppery, touch of citrus — that mesh really well with each other and the clean ferment lets it all shine. There is also a nutty roasted character that is reminiscent of brown malt.

The flavor leans a little more roast forward with freshly ground espresso beans and burnt notes (not in an unpleasant way, more like on wood-wired pizza). The roast leads into hops with a moderate bitterness that builds on the dry roast as well as some peppery, earthy notes, and follows into more malty notes of toasted crackers and caramel squares, and finishes with a bit of fruit at the end (chocolate-dipped berries). Despite all the malt, the body remains moderately light due to the crisp, dry finish and hop balance that leaves little sweetness.

This beer was really enjoyable and well made. Great on a cold day when you want something a little lighter. Love seeing underappreciated styles like this on the market, especially when it hits the mark.