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Rick Franckhauser's picture

Judge's Review: 93 Rating - Gnarly Barley Lager by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.

June, 2020

Gnarly Barley Lager

Gnarly Barley Lager

Louisiana
United States
Lager, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Lager is a nicely balanced Italian Pilsner with a light malt presence while allowing a soft hoppy aroma to shine through to a crispy dry finish. Dry-hopped with Hallertau Blanc this brew presents floral notes while adding a slight hint of fruitiness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.2%
Served at: 
38 - 40º F
Malts: 
Carapils®, Pilsner
Hops: 
Hallertau Blanc

 

 


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Judges Rating: 
93
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
37 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
10 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

Gnarly Barley Lager by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP Category 34B, Mixed-Style Beer. The designation “Italian Lager” places the beer as an International Pale Lager (BJCP 2A), while the dry hopped aspect most resembles an American Pale Ale (BJCP 18B). After reviewing the beer this designation seemed to put the beer in the best light.

The aroma opened with a moderately high level of fresh lemony citrus hops like you would hope to find in a well-made APA. A light touch of corny sweet malt and hints of sulfur can be found from the lager fermentation. A touch of cracker comes through as it warmed a little. The malt aromatics are a tad high for an IPL while not high enough for an APA. The beer pours a brilliantly clear light straw. The foamy white head drops out quickly to a lingering ring but can be roused back to a thin cap.

The flavor provides the lemony hops found in the aroma but adds some pleasant floral qualities. The malt profile is predominantly grainy with a little white bread backing it. The corn and sulfur elements found in the nose are absent in the flavor. I’m not complaining, but as an IPL, they would have been acceptable at the levels found in the aroma and may have added a touch of interest. Near even hop bitterness to balance the malt. Dry, crisp finish and a nice lingering touch of the lemony hops continue into the aftertaste. Clean fermentation with nothing off or out of place. Light bodied with moderately high levels of carbonation. A very slight carbonic tingle, just slightly prickly but not astringent.

Super refreshing, lemony light lager. As an IPL it may be a little bolder and overly hoppy for the style, but the malt level would be a touch thin for an APA, while the hop levels are spot on. As a blend of the two styles, it’s wonderful. This is the definition of a crushable summer lager.