Judge’s Review: 95 Rating – American AF by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.

American Light Lager | Limited Release | United States

By Jim Koebel

Judges Rating: 95
Aroma: 24
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 39
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 19

American AF by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was judged as an American Light Lager, BJCP Category 1A.
August is a wonderful time to be sampling American Light Lagers. Offering a combination of refreshment, quality and flavor, craft brewed versions of this style are a far cry from the fizzy yellow cans of ‘lite’ beer served at many a summer get-together (well, they were when it was safe to get together!). This excellent example–American AF–makes me wonder why craft light lagers aren’t a larger phenomenon. Upon pouring it has a pleasantly sweet corn aroma with a touch of bready malt. There is a faint, generic “adjunct” aroma in the background that would be expected in any light lager. It pours with a low white head and is a clear, straw color. This beer has bready malt flavors and a tasty dose of corn. Hop flavors are low and herbal. It is lightly bitter and dry throughout. The medium-light body makes this beer crisp, but carbonation (medium) should be higher. Overall this is a really tasty beer.