Judge’s Review: 84 Rating – The Yard by Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

Vienna Lager | Limited Release | USA

By Sal Mortillaro II

Judges Rating: 84.00
Aroma: 19.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 35.00
Mouthfeel: 8.00
Overall Impression: 16.00

The Yard Amber Lager by Perfect Plain Brewing Co. is being judged as a Vienna Lager (category 7A) per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines.

This beer pours a beautiful amber color with brilliant clarity. An off-white head of mousse-like bubbles is sustained and lasts the entire beer. As the beer is consumed, it leaves beautiful lacing on the glass.

The initial aroma is extremely light overall and requires a good rouse to really pick anything up on the nose. Once roused, the aroma consists of a medium-low bready malt with a very low floral hop component. The beer is very clean and well fermented.

On the initial sip, the flavor in this beer has an overall slightly watery quality. As it drinks, there is a low bready flavor with a very low touch of toast. There is a low herbal hop flavor with a low bitterness that lingers into the finish. After the beer is swallowed, a low floral note lingers.

This beer is medium-thin in body, though its medium carbonation seems to enhance the perceived body, making it come across a bit fuller than it actually is. There is no alcohol warmth or astringency.

Overall, this is an average amber lager. While it is indeed refreshing, it could use a touch more character to keep it interesting.