Judge’s Review: 85 Rating – Light ‘n Hoppy by Social Fox Brewing

American Lager | Seasonal | USA

By Sean Coughlin

Judges Rating: 85
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 34
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 16

Light ‘n Hoppy by Social Fox Brewing is being evaluated as an American Lager (2021 BJCP Guidelines Category 1B).
American Lager is a very neutral style in terms of flavor/aroma. It is a style that likely will not excite many palates, but it also does not offend if it is brewed well. From the aroma alone, it is clear that Light ‘n Hoppy simply has too much hop character to be classified within this style. There is a medium-high level of hop aroma that is citrus-forward with a presence akin to a mixed fruit cup. 
The appearance, however, is true-to-style: dark straw and brilliantly clear with a tightly packed white head that diminishes quickly but never completely vanishes.  
The flavor follows the aroma and is hop-forward in the balance. Sweet orange peel, canned pineapple, and dried mango are front and center along with a medium-high presence of hop bitterness. The hops are so forward that this beer almost tastes a bit grassy.    
There is some harshness in the mouthfeel from a hop-derived astringency — almost as if this beer saw a hefty dose of dry hopping. It lacks the snappy, crisp, dry finish you crave in a well-made American-style lager. And while it may be fully attenuated, the citrus-heavy hop profile may trick the palate into perceiving sweetness. While not necessarily unpleasant, this beer is pretty far off the mark from a classic American Lager. Although it is not a style within the current BJCP guidelines, this beer would probably be best suited for something akin to a Session India Pale Lager. Anyone expecting a beer along the lines of Budweiser, Miller High Life, etc. would be in for quite a surprise if they gave this a try.