Judge’s Review: 97 Rating – Lagered Hedonism 01 by Moniker Brewery

Czech Pale Lager | Limited Release | USA

By Sean Coughlin

Judges Rating: 97
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 20

Lagered Hedonism 01 by Moniker Brewery is being evaluated as a Czech Pale Lager (2021 BJCP Guidelines, Category 3A). This beer is the first within their Lagered Hedonism series and sets the bar very high for subsequent beers in that series. 
This style calls for light- to moderate bready-rich malt in the aroma and this beer has that in spades. The malt character is Pils-dominant, and, with a blindfold on, you may think that someone is freshly kneading bread dough in front of you. The beer is extremely aromatic overall and while dominated by malt, there is a light herbal hop presence that adds complexity. A very light sulfur note dissipated quickly after being poured from the can.
This beer is also attractive – brilliant pale gold with a dense white head that persists exceptionally well. The head on this beer is impressive enough that it could probably pass for a beer poured from a Lukr faucet in the traditional Czech Pils fashion.
There is an amazing amount of flavor present for such a small beer. Following close to the aroma, there is a ton of bready malt to be savored. The hops are not shied away from either – there is substantial hop bitterness and flavor for the size of this beer, but it is within balance and does not overwhelm the malt.
Arguably, the most outstanding element of this beer is the mouthfeel, and more specifically, the body. A small session beer like this usually comes across as thin in two key areas: flavor and body. This beer packs a tiny punch at only 3.2% ABV and has flavor and body for days. It seems possible that the water profile plays a role here in making the hops present themselves as softer – even though they are high within the balance of this beer.
This is truly one of the best domestic Czech-style lagers I have ever had, and I hope that Moniker continues to pump out excellent traditional Euro-style beers in their Lagered Hedonism portfolio.