Fielder's Choice

American Lager gets a (somewhat deserved) bad rap among craft beer drinkers. Unfortunately, too many commercial examples lack flavor and are too watery. One would be justified to worry when initially seeing this beer with its golden yellow color, perfect clarity, and little to no head. However, that’s where the similarities with “your dad’s beer” end. The aroma is primarily sweet corn and malt with a hint of floral hops that emerge more as the beer warms. The rich, sweet malt carries through and dominates the flavor, but not in a cloying way. A restrained floral and lightly spicy hoppiness provides a pleasing counterpoint to the corny sweetness. The yeast character is decidedly clean and unobtrusive as it should be in a well-made lager. This full-flavored but “less filling" beer is a great example of how good this style can be and is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer’s day at the ballpark.