Judge’s Review: 95 Rating – Lagered Hedonism 03 by Moniker Brewery

Czech Dark Lager | Limited Release | USA

By Randy Scorby

Judges Rating: 95
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Lagered Hedonism 03 by Moniker Brewery is being evaluated as a Czech Dark Lager (Category 3D) per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.
Lagered Hedonism 03 features a deep brown color with excellent clarity and a bright ruby hue. The fine, tan head lingers throughout the sample and the appearance is very inviting. The malt takes center stage in the aroma, with prominent and rich toast, bread crust, light chocolate, light roast and a hint of caramel. As the malt settles down a bit, a fresh and bright herbal and slightly spicy hop aroma emerges. There is a clean fermentation profile present.
The flavor delivers a rich and prominent malt character with nuttiness, toast, bread crust, light chocolate and a touch of roast. Medium hop bitterness develops mid-palate along with a medium-light herbal hop flavor. The very light residual sweetness in the middle dries out nicely in the finish with a light toasty character lingering through the aftertaste. As with the aroma, this beer has a clean fermentation profile in the flavor. This beer rounds out with a medium body and moderate carbonation.
This is a rich and well-brewed Czech Dark Lager that features a clean lager profile and rich malt character. Although the balance favors the malt, the overall hop character provides enough presence to keep the malt from becoming too dominant. This is a beer to reach for regardless of the season.