Champagne Velvet
Upland Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Lager - Adjunct
Ranked #4 - ABV:
- 5.2%
- Score:
- 77
Ranked #46,173 - Avg:
- 3.52 | pDev: 14.2%
- Reviews:
- 57
- Ratings:
- From:
- Upland Brewing Company
- Indiana, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 10
- Gots
- 49
SCORE
77
Okay
77
Okay
Notes:
A crisp and clean pre-Prohibition style German lager brewed from a 1902 recipe originally brewed by the Terre Haute Brewing Co. in Southern Indiana.The recipe is over 100 years old
Reviews: 57
| Ratings: 276
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
maximum12 from Minnesota
3.38/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Thanks to barrelbeer for this 16 oz. extra. I don’t have enough good lagers in my life.
The pour is nearly clear gold: I can actually read through it. The nose is very light, grains & saltines, but little enough of either.
Champagne Velvet would go great with a meal. Any meal. It’s light & inoffensive enough that it would mildly complement most foods. Like the nose, there are light grains, mild sweetness, creamed corn, & a finish of low bitterness & grapefruit from the hops. Crisp. As an IPA & stout drinker mostly, this is…drinkable. Yup.
Not the best lager I’ve had this year, but a pretty good effort.
Dec 05, 2020
3.38/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Thanks to barrelbeer for this 16 oz. extra. I don’t have enough good lagers in my life.
The pour is nearly clear gold: I can actually read through it. The nose is very light, grains & saltines, but little enough of either.
Champagne Velvet would go great with a meal. Any meal. It’s light & inoffensive enough that it would mildly complement most foods. Like the nose, there are light grains, mild sweetness, creamed corn, & a finish of low bitterness & grapefruit from the hops. Crisp. As an IPA & stout drinker mostly, this is…drinkable. Yup.
Not the best lager I’ve had this year, but a pretty good effort.
Dec 05, 2020
realJohnnyHobo from Maryland
2.52/5 rDev -28.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 2.25
I don't know if there has been an adjunct lager lighter in color. There has been nothing in my experience with beer that matches this ultra-light pale yellow, with a large 3 finger soapy head. The residue leftover leaves nice white lacing. I love the color of the can, as it feels old school and yet modern. The Independent brewery label is a nice plus side to see this is apart of the guild.
The smell is of corn adjunct, but knowing some of these old recipes it could be corn/ rice blend. Ultralight mouthfeel, a bit of a sharp character on the tongue, this is my first beer this week. On the second taste, I am getting a bit of hoppiness in the rears, a lot of adjunct upfronts but it balances itself out with a malt that is a bit too underwhelming. There is a heavy boiled vegetable flavor that is mildly offensive, the alcohol isn't hidden and comes back in the finish. Even at 5.2%, I have a bit of a soured face drinking this. And then it dawned on me, this is a beer that is supposed to taste of champagne, okay I get it more now, but the 'pilsener' title doesn't really add up when comparing this to Miller Lite another pils adjunct clone.
The brut-like flavor is unappealing to me and had I known this would be what I was about to consume I'd do a hard pass, as that is not what I was looking for in a pilsner. The hoppiness is a plus, but the lack of roundedness leaves room to be desired. The beer is something, but it is not something I am familiar with. Hops are intense in the finish and the soured grain flavor is gut-wrenching but tolerable. Not too sure how this is "the beer with the million dollar flavor" because I'd be drinking a Guinness or Belhaven on a regular if I could.
Nov 06, 2020
2.52/5 rDev -28.4%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 2.25
I don't know if there has been an adjunct lager lighter in color. There has been nothing in my experience with beer that matches this ultra-light pale yellow, with a large 3 finger soapy head. The residue leftover leaves nice white lacing. I love the color of the can, as it feels old school and yet modern. The Independent brewery label is a nice plus side to see this is apart of the guild.
The smell is of corn adjunct, but knowing some of these old recipes it could be corn/ rice blend. Ultralight mouthfeel, a bit of a sharp character on the tongue, this is my first beer this week. On the second taste, I am getting a bit of hoppiness in the rears, a lot of adjunct upfronts but it balances itself out with a malt that is a bit too underwhelming. There is a heavy boiled vegetable flavor that is mildly offensive, the alcohol isn't hidden and comes back in the finish. Even at 5.2%, I have a bit of a soured face drinking this. And then it dawned on me, this is a beer that is supposed to taste of champagne, okay I get it more now, but the 'pilsener' title doesn't really add up when comparing this to Miller Lite another pils adjunct clone.
The brut-like flavor is unappealing to me and had I known this would be what I was about to consume I'd do a hard pass, as that is not what I was looking for in a pilsner. The hoppiness is a plus, but the lack of roundedness leaves room to be desired. The beer is something, but it is not something I am familiar with. Hops are intense in the finish and the soured grain flavor is gut-wrenching but tolerable. Not too sure how this is "the beer with the million dollar flavor" because I'd be drinking a Guinness or Belhaven on a regular if I could.
Nov 06, 2020
REVZEB from Illinois
4.09/5 rDev +16.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Clear pale gold with a wispy white head. Smells of sweet corn, pilsner malts, general adjunct bloated aromas, with a touch of grass, so right on for style. Taste is sneaky, not as heavy handed with the adjuncts and sweet corn as expected, crisp malt and touch of grass finish in a way that is actually rewarding for style, but wow is it thin. Stupid crisp though not the most clean, thin, highly carbonated, and finishes dry. Honestly it elevates the style a good bit, don't need to have again, but this is well done for an adjunct lager
Sep 07, 2020
4.09/5 rDev +16.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Clear pale gold with a wispy white head. Smells of sweet corn, pilsner malts, general adjunct bloated aromas, with a touch of grass, so right on for style. Taste is sneaky, not as heavy handed with the adjuncts and sweet corn as expected, crisp malt and touch of grass finish in a way that is actually rewarding for style, but wow is it thin. Stupid crisp though not the most clean, thin, highly carbonated, and finishes dry. Honestly it elevates the style a good bit, don't need to have again, but this is well done for an adjunct lager
Sep 07, 2020
rapayn01 from Kentucky
3.87/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I had tall boy cans of this twice last November (2019). It was in the clearance section of my nearby grocery store, but I bought a can on a whim because I like to support local breweries. It was pretty good for the style -- and actually reminded me a bit of dry champagne. I wrote at the time on Untappd that I would look for this in the summer -- when I went back to buy more there was only one more can, which I bought and consumed in short order. It may be my favorite lager, which admittedly is damning with faint praise.
May 04, 2020
3.87/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I had tall boy cans of this twice last November (2019). It was in the clearance section of my nearby grocery store, but I bought a can on a whim because I like to support local breweries. It was pretty good for the style -- and actually reminded me a bit of dry champagne. I wrote at the time on Untappd that I would look for this in the summer -- when I went back to buy more there was only one more can, which I bought and consumed in short order. It may be my favorite lager, which admittedly is damning with faint praise.
May 04, 2020
FBarber from Illinois
4.12/5 rDev +17%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a light straw color. Crystal clear and somewhat effervescent. Thick 3 finger head collapses and dissipates until there is essentially no remaining head. Some sticky lacing is left on the glass.
Aroma is light with notes of corn and simple malts with a touch of light floral hops. Slight touch of sweetness is there.
Taste follows the nose with a crisp array of light crackery malts, some corn, floral hops and a touch of sweetness. Cold, this beer is an excellent AAL - warmed the flavors do open a bit more, but for the style cold is better.
Feel is light, crisp, and refreshing. Bright carbonation with a quick finish.
This is an excellent beer - straddling the line between AAL and Classic American pilsner - its everything you want from the style. Criminally underrated here.
Feb 20, 2020
4.12/5 rDev +17%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a light straw color. Crystal clear and somewhat effervescent. Thick 3 finger head collapses and dissipates until there is essentially no remaining head. Some sticky lacing is left on the glass.
Aroma is light with notes of corn and simple malts with a touch of light floral hops. Slight touch of sweetness is there.
Taste follows the nose with a crisp array of light crackery malts, some corn, floral hops and a touch of sweetness. Cold, this beer is an excellent AAL - warmed the flavors do open a bit more, but for the style cold is better.
Feel is light, crisp, and refreshing. Bright carbonation with a quick finish.
This is an excellent beer - straddling the line between AAL and Classic American pilsner - its everything you want from the style. Criminally underrated here.
Feb 20, 2020
RaulMondesi from California
3.37/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Wow. Not going to lie. I think I rather have a Bud Light. This one has nice color like Jean Harlow sunning at the beach, but it just tastes a little off. I sense that in the aroma too. It’s not metallic like a lot of of bad AAL’s can be, but it simply tastes “off,” ya feel me?
I’m out.
*I’m going to give this one a pretty big edit. Kind of like Japanese beer with sushi, or a Saigon Lager with a bahn mi, it just tastes better with food. And when I had this decently rated (for what it is) AAL with a delectable Italian sandwich, it tasted pretty damn good. So cheers to that!
Jan 21, 2020
3.37/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Wow. Not going to lie. I think I rather have a Bud Light. This one has nice color like Jean Harlow sunning at the beach, but it just tastes a little off. I sense that in the aroma too. It’s not metallic like a lot of of bad AAL’s can be, but it simply tastes “off,” ya feel me?
I’m out.
*I’m going to give this one a pretty big edit. Kind of like Japanese beer with sushi, or a Saigon Lager with a bahn mi, it just tastes better with food. And when I had this decently rated (for what it is) AAL with a delectable Italian sandwich, it tasted pretty damn good. So cheers to that!
Jan 21, 2020
Bouleboubier from New Jersey
3.41/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
(12 oz can, BB MAR 2020; purchased single off shelf... poured into Stella Artois glass)
L: clear, (champagne-?) yellow liquid, with bits of dusty sediment floating about; white, glassy foam crumbles as it's building... no collar keeps, no lace at all
S: wet diaper, wet coin, very mild floral overtone... little apparent alcohol or malt/grain (at first) aside from perhaps a light fresh corn... faint Bohemian pils yeast character, similar to that of the Stroh's I recently tried, et al
T: extra-dry, Corn Pops grain character; subtle floral bitterness in the aftertaste, subtle peppery phenol... bit of a lemon-powder zesty hop starts to hum a bit as it goes, bitty (coriander-y) spicy bite lingers
F: perhaps the only (or greatest) sense of body from this comes from the alcohol, which seems to trail its legs a bit in the finish; otherwise bone dry and spritzy
O: dang, totally made for can swillin'... one isn't missing much by not pouring this into a glass... might grow on me if I had it often, or by the end of this can (1567)
Oct 11, 2019
3.41/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5
(12 oz can, BB MAR 2020; purchased single off shelf... poured into Stella Artois glass)
L: clear, (champagne-?) yellow liquid, with bits of dusty sediment floating about; white, glassy foam crumbles as it's building... no collar keeps, no lace at all
S: wet diaper, wet coin, very mild floral overtone... little apparent alcohol or malt/grain (at first) aside from perhaps a light fresh corn... faint Bohemian pils yeast character, similar to that of the Stroh's I recently tried, et al
T: extra-dry, Corn Pops grain character; subtle floral bitterness in the aftertaste, subtle peppery phenol... bit of a lemon-powder zesty hop starts to hum a bit as it goes, bitty (coriander-y) spicy bite lingers
F: perhaps the only (or greatest) sense of body from this comes from the alcohol, which seems to trail its legs a bit in the finish; otherwise bone dry and spritzy
O: dang, totally made for can swillin'... one isn't missing much by not pouring this into a glass... might grow on me if I had it often, or by the end of this can (1567)
Oct 11, 2019
Harrison8 from Missouri
3.49/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Pours a translucent straw with a finger of white foam. Head retention is good. Aroma is light straw, hay, grassy hops and crackery, biscuity, wafery malts. Light and tight. Flavor profile is more subtleties, with herbal, grassy, floral, zesty hops combing with biscuity, crackery, wafery malts and a touch of straw and hay. Hops are up front, with the bulk of the flavor profile taken up by malts. Mouth feel is medium-thin with a soft fuzziness that detracts from the initial crispness. Overall, light and tight, but the malt-hop balance is a little wacky.
Served in a 15.5oz Speigalau tulip from a 16oz can.
Jun 30, 2019
3.49/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Pours a translucent straw with a finger of white foam. Head retention is good. Aroma is light straw, hay, grassy hops and crackery, biscuity, wafery malts. Light and tight. Flavor profile is more subtleties, with herbal, grassy, floral, zesty hops combing with biscuity, crackery, wafery malts and a touch of straw and hay. Hops are up front, with the bulk of the flavor profile taken up by malts. Mouth feel is medium-thin with a soft fuzziness that detracts from the initial crispness. Overall, light and tight, but the malt-hop balance is a little wacky.
Served in a 15.5oz Speigalau tulip from a 16oz can.
Jun 30, 2019
daliandragon from Maryland
3.67/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
I wasn't sure what it was at first as I picked up a growler at State Line where it was advertised as a pilsner. This is less pure in clarity and flavor but still pretty good for what it is. Not too overcarbonated, it has decent balance initially but kind of a grainy yeasty finish that is better than it probably sounds. As advertised, this does kind if have an kind of old school, blue collar, working class taste to it, which I guess is the point of telling us these facts..
Jun 28, 2019
3.67/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
I wasn't sure what it was at first as I picked up a growler at State Line where it was advertised as a pilsner. This is less pure in clarity and flavor but still pretty good for what it is. Not too overcarbonated, it has decent balance initially but kind of a grainy yeasty finish that is better than it probably sounds. As advertised, this does kind if have an kind of old school, blue collar, working class taste to it, which I guess is the point of telling us these facts..
Jun 28, 2019
larryi86 from Delaware
3.9/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
16 oz can poured into a pint glass
A- A clear light golden color with a two finger white head.
S- Pilsner malts, some sweet corn, some earthy hops.
T- Pilsner malts, sweat corn, hints of grapes, mild earthy hops.
M- Smooth, light to medium body.
O- A very nice lager, easy to drink. I was hoping for a little more noble hop character, but still nicely balanced.
Jun 11, 2019
3.9/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
16 oz can poured into a pint glass
A- A clear light golden color with a two finger white head.
S- Pilsner malts, some sweet corn, some earthy hops.
T- Pilsner malts, sweat corn, hints of grapes, mild earthy hops.
M- Smooth, light to medium body.
O- A very nice lager, easy to drink. I was hoping for a little more noble hop character, but still nicely balanced.
Jun 11, 2019
chitoryu12 from Florida
3.58/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Look: Golden yellow and slightly hazy, with visible carbonation. One finger of foamy white head with excellent retention.
Smell: Very mild adjunct malt and faint hops.
Taste: Clean, mildly bitter hops at the front. Very mild malt with a slightly metallic aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Decent, smooth body with high carbonation.
Overall: One of the better adjunct lagers out there thanks to being properly hopped and balanced, but still very mild and plain.
Mar 13, 2019
3.58/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Look: Golden yellow and slightly hazy, with visible carbonation. One finger of foamy white head with excellent retention.
Smell: Very mild adjunct malt and faint hops.
Taste: Clean, mildly bitter hops at the front. Very mild malt with a slightly metallic aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: Decent, smooth body with high carbonation.
Overall: One of the better adjunct lagers out there thanks to being properly hopped and balanced, but still very mild and plain.
Mar 13, 2019
Nass from Florida
2.84/5 rDev -19.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
It pours very clear looking similar to the color of champagne & there is a fair amount of carbonation . Furthermore, there is a best by date on the bottom of the can which let me know that my can is still highly drinkable. Indiana is known for making some great beer so let's see how this one goes. Wow! I read that this was brewed from a recipe that is over 100 years old. Wow! this is quite bitter for an American Adjunct Lager. Instead of corn I'm most getting some bitterness, it's almost similar to a grapefruit IPA. There is some lemon in the taste. a bit of ginger as well. This is not an easy smooth drinking pale lager it's sort of strange. I'm perplexed by this beer that a beer from over 100 years old would taste similar to a mild grapefruit IPA. Cheers! C
Feb 28, 2019
2.84/5 rDev -19.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
It pours very clear looking similar to the color of champagne & there is a fair amount of carbonation . Furthermore, there is a best by date on the bottom of the can which let me know that my can is still highly drinkable. Indiana is known for making some great beer so let's see how this one goes. Wow! I read that this was brewed from a recipe that is over 100 years old. Wow! this is quite bitter for an American Adjunct Lager. Instead of corn I'm most getting some bitterness, it's almost similar to a grapefruit IPA. There is some lemon in the taste. a bit of ginger as well. This is not an easy smooth drinking pale lager it's sort of strange. I'm perplexed by this beer that a beer from over 100 years old would taste similar to a mild grapefruit IPA. Cheers! C
Feb 28, 2019
BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
3.75/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
From the can, it pours a clear light golden yellow with a nice bubbly white head. The fresh scent is primarily grain. The taste is lightly bitter with grain. Great for the style!
Feb 23, 2019
3.75/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
From the can, it pours a clear light golden yellow with a nice bubbly white head. The fresh scent is primarily grain. The taste is lightly bitter with grain. Great for the style!
Feb 23, 2019
Jhops217 from Illinois
4.63/5 rDev +31.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Found another goody. Medium to high carbonation. The color is of gold. The foam is very dense at first then fades pretty quickly. The carb makes for a crispy finish after a nearly citrusy mouth feel.
Jan 15, 2019
4.63/5 rDev +31.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Found another goody. Medium to high carbonation. The color is of gold. The foam is very dense at first then fades pretty quickly. The carb makes for a crispy finish after a nearly citrusy mouth feel.
Jan 15, 2019
DrMullet from Florida
3.25/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Pours a clear pale yellow with medium head resolving to thin lacing.
Smell is malted grain an a bit of corn.
Taste is a mix of corn, herb and some floral notes.
Aug 19, 2018
3.25/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Pours a clear pale yellow with medium head resolving to thin lacing.
Smell is malted grain an a bit of corn.
Taste is a mix of corn, herb and some floral notes.
Aug 19, 2018
Jamatt from Indiana
4.73/5 rDev +34.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
I think this beer confuses people. It’s not an all-malt craft lager. Nor is it a lawnmower-style craft AAL. It’s a big honking 5.5 pre-prohibition AAL and it’s easily best in class. Big, strong, full flavored, and eminently drinkable. Just don’t fall off your lawnmower.
Aug 18, 2018
4.73/5 rDev +34.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
I think this beer confuses people. It’s not an all-malt craft lager. Nor is it a lawnmower-style craft AAL. It’s a big honking 5.5 pre-prohibition AAL and it’s easily best in class. Big, strong, full flavored, and eminently drinkable. Just don’t fall off your lawnmower.
Aug 18, 2018
dertyd from California
3.69/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The beer pours out a crystal clear pale golden straw color, with 1 finger of white head------------- the aromas are of floral notes, grass and bread dough--------------- the flavors are of fresh baked bread, floral notes and grass, the beer has a thin mouthfeel with a light bitterness on the finish------------------- overall this beer was good - this was probably the best adjunct lager I have had, it was sweet up front but had a nice breadiness and hoppyness to it---
Aug 10, 2018
3.69/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
The beer pours out a crystal clear pale golden straw color, with 1 finger of white head------------- the aromas are of floral notes, grass and bread dough--------------- the flavors are of fresh baked bread, floral notes and grass, the beer has a thin mouthfeel with a light bitterness on the finish------------------- overall this beer was good - this was probably the best adjunct lager I have had, it was sweet up front but had a nice breadiness and hoppyness to it---
Aug 10, 2018
StonedTrippin from Colorado
3.56/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
better than its ratings, but insanely light. i have not had much clean beer from these guys at all, so this was unexpected, almost like a craft brewed coors light or something, not particularly compelling for any reason, but its cold and its wet and it exists, so lets drink it! incredibly light in color, barely yellow, watery looking but immaculately clear, short fizzy head lasts a little while before fading back. the beer is corny adjuncts and pils malt, fermented to dry by an essentially flavorless lager yeast, almost blended with water, some minerals and trace herbal hops at the end, i wanted more from the yeast, it just tastes cheap or something, and while i like a brewer like this to have a crusher, especially one known for their sours, this leaves a little bit to be desired. that said, its nice with a slice of spicy pizza and there really is no limit to how much of this one could drink, both in terms of never getting full and never getting drunk. i have gotten used to higher quality and radially different beers from upland, but i think its cool that they make this, and i will end up drinking it again im sure...
Jul 21, 2018
3.56/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
better than its ratings, but insanely light. i have not had much clean beer from these guys at all, so this was unexpected, almost like a craft brewed coors light or something, not particularly compelling for any reason, but its cold and its wet and it exists, so lets drink it! incredibly light in color, barely yellow, watery looking but immaculately clear, short fizzy head lasts a little while before fading back. the beer is corny adjuncts and pils malt, fermented to dry by an essentially flavorless lager yeast, almost blended with water, some minerals and trace herbal hops at the end, i wanted more from the yeast, it just tastes cheap or something, and while i like a brewer like this to have a crusher, especially one known for their sours, this leaves a little bit to be desired. that said, its nice with a slice of spicy pizza and there really is no limit to how much of this one could drink, both in terms of never getting full and never getting drunk. i have gotten used to higher quality and radially different beers from upland, but i think its cool that they make this, and i will end up drinking it again im sure...
Jul 21, 2018
beersampler6 from Michigan
3.52/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Quite a nice surprise from this AAL, sampled on tap. Pale yellow color with a little head and some spotty lingering lacing. Smells faintly of grain, tastes of grain, malt, some fruit zest hops and a little floral hops. Just a little bitterness especially at the aftertaste but not unpleasant at all. Smooth and crisp, mild mouthfeel, mild carbonation. Surprisingly tasty for an AAL.
Jun 30, 2018
3.52/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Quite a nice surprise from this AAL, sampled on tap. Pale yellow color with a little head and some spotty lingering lacing. Smells faintly of grain, tastes of grain, malt, some fruit zest hops and a little floral hops. Just a little bitterness especially at the aftertaste but not unpleasant at all. Smooth and crisp, mild mouthfeel, mild carbonation. Surprisingly tasty for an AAL.
Jun 30, 2018
Beginner2 from Illinois
3.57/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
My first from Upland, so I took a quick review of how many BA ratings for each beer. Then I went to their website and they have put together a few interesting restaurants and menus. So they have the culinary match thing going.
As for CV, the label I had looked to be pre-prohibition graphics and appropriately so for the lager. Simple. Refreshing.
Looks are average in the Adjunct category, a little pale to the point of looking unhealthy; but a nice lace.
Smells are, well, I didn't pickup much barley (it may have been my nose that day); just a lot of generalized grain malted.
Taste improves. A decently blended malt bill for whatever it was they were working with. Hops were modestly good.
Feel is refreshing. Can't ask for more out of this beer.
OA: A nice reminder of the way beer used to be and how luck we are to be drinking such great variety today !
Jun 04, 2018
3.57/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
My first from Upland, so I took a quick review of how many BA ratings for each beer. Then I went to their website and they have put together a few interesting restaurants and menus. So they have the culinary match thing going.
As for CV, the label I had looked to be pre-prohibition graphics and appropriately so for the lager. Simple. Refreshing.
Looks are average in the Adjunct category, a little pale to the point of looking unhealthy; but a nice lace.
Smells are, well, I didn't pickup much barley (it may have been my nose that day); just a lot of generalized grain malted.
Taste improves. A decently blended malt bill for whatever it was they were working with. Hops were modestly good.
Feel is refreshing. Can't ask for more out of this beer.
OA: A nice reminder of the way beer used to be and how luck we are to be drinking such great variety today !
Jun 04, 2018
superspak from Ohio
3.78/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
16 ounce can into lager glass, no can dating. Pours crystal clear pale golden yellow color with a 1 finger fairly dense and fluffy white head with great retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of cracker, white bread dough, toasted biscuit, light nuttiness/corn, pepper, herbal, and floral/grassy earthiness. A bit of fruity aromas, but not overwhelming. Nice and pleasant aromas with pale malt/corn and light-moderate earthy hop notes; with solid strength. Taste of cracker, white bread dough, toasted biscuit, light nuttiness/corn, pepper, herbal, and floral/grassy earthiness. Light-moderate herbal, floral, grassy, peppery bitterness on the finish. Lingering notes of cracker, white bread dough, toasted biscuit, light nuttiness/corn, pepper, and herbal/floral/grassy earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice robustness and balance of pale malt/corn and light-moderate earthy hop flavors; with a nice malt/bitterness balance, and zero cloying/astringent flavors after the finish. Very clean on lager flavors, minimal fruitiness. Light-moderate increasing dryness from bitterness and carbonation. Medium-high carbonation and medium body; with a very smooth, moderately crisp, and bready/grainy/sticky balanced mouthfeel that is nice. Zero warming alcohol as expected of 5.2%. Overall this is a very good pale adjunct lager. All around nice robustness and balance of pale malt/corn and light-moderate earthy hop flavors; very smooth, crisp, and refreshing to drink with the moderately bitter/drying finish. Very flavorful and never watery for the ABV. Very clean and nicely rich barley/corn flavors, with an impressive amount of hop presence for the style. Not overdone on adjuncts. A very enjoyable offering, and well made style example.
May 19, 2018
3.78/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
16 ounce can into lager glass, no can dating. Pours crystal clear pale golden yellow color with a 1 finger fairly dense and fluffy white head with great retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of cracker, white bread dough, toasted biscuit, light nuttiness/corn, pepper, herbal, and floral/grassy earthiness. A bit of fruity aromas, but not overwhelming. Nice and pleasant aromas with pale malt/corn and light-moderate earthy hop notes; with solid strength. Taste of cracker, white bread dough, toasted biscuit, light nuttiness/corn, pepper, herbal, and floral/grassy earthiness. Light-moderate herbal, floral, grassy, peppery bitterness on the finish. Lingering notes of cracker, white bread dough, toasted biscuit, light nuttiness/corn, pepper, and herbal/floral/grassy earthiness on the finish for a good bit. Very nice robustness and balance of pale malt/corn and light-moderate earthy hop flavors; with a nice malt/bitterness balance, and zero cloying/astringent flavors after the finish. Very clean on lager flavors, minimal fruitiness. Light-moderate increasing dryness from bitterness and carbonation. Medium-high carbonation and medium body; with a very smooth, moderately crisp, and bready/grainy/sticky balanced mouthfeel that is nice. Zero warming alcohol as expected of 5.2%. Overall this is a very good pale adjunct lager. All around nice robustness and balance of pale malt/corn and light-moderate earthy hop flavors; very smooth, crisp, and refreshing to drink with the moderately bitter/drying finish. Very flavorful and never watery for the ABV. Very clean and nicely rich barley/corn flavors, with an impressive amount of hop presence for the style. Not overdone on adjuncts. A very enjoyable offering, and well made style example.
May 19, 2018
beergoot from Colorado
3.25/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Clear, pale yellow body; thin, soapy head. Earthy, veggie-like aroma. The flavor has a grain-like note to it; some metallic bitterness. Medium body; crisp; dry finish.
"The Beer with the Million Dollar Flavor"?! Sorry, it's rather pedestrian. Okay and drinkable, but hardly noteworthy.
May 07, 2018
3.25/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Clear, pale yellow body; thin, soapy head. Earthy, veggie-like aroma. The flavor has a grain-like note to it; some metallic bitterness. Medium body; crisp; dry finish.
"The Beer with the Million Dollar Flavor"?! Sorry, it's rather pedestrian. Okay and drinkable, but hardly noteworthy.
May 07, 2018
Stevedore from Oregon
3.78/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
16oz can, served in a snifter glass. Pours a clear light straw yellow body, one finger white head, good retention, rings of lacing. Smell is crisp bread, minerals, light floral notes, crackers, touch of lemon. Flavour cracker, bread, biscuit, but overall light on the sweetness, crisp and refreshing, light floral notes. Exceptionally clean, not too sweet, not too hoppy, but still plenty of flavour. Mouthfeel is lighter medium bodied, refreshing, clean and very drinkable. Solid and easy drinking pilsner, hits the spot with plenty of flavour to go with a light, easy drinkability.
Jan 11, 2018
3.78/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
16oz can, served in a snifter glass. Pours a clear light straw yellow body, one finger white head, good retention, rings of lacing. Smell is crisp bread, minerals, light floral notes, crackers, touch of lemon. Flavour cracker, bread, biscuit, but overall light on the sweetness, crisp and refreshing, light floral notes. Exceptionally clean, not too sweet, not too hoppy, but still plenty of flavour. Mouthfeel is lighter medium bodied, refreshing, clean and very drinkable. Solid and easy drinking pilsner, hits the spot with plenty of flavour to go with a light, easy drinkability.
Jan 11, 2018
BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
3.16/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Taste: smooth, velvet mouthfeel, crisp clean Champagne finish. Mild grainy nose. Gold, crystal clear, with tall foamy head and sticky lattice on glass. Light body. 29 IBUs
Nov 21, 2017
3.16/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Taste: smooth, velvet mouthfeel, crisp clean Champagne finish. Mild grainy nose. Gold, crystal clear, with tall foamy head and sticky lattice on glass. Light body. 29 IBUs
Nov 21, 2017
Squire from Mississippi
3.78/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Light ginger ale appearance with white cap.
Pleasing clean aroma of herbal, spicy hops over a sweet malt base.
Flavor is hop forward on entry which is sharper than I was expecting. Not straighten your hair stunning but enough to be surprising for an AAL lager. Hops are quickly joined by malt/grain providing a smooth, round texture which gives heft to the whole. Malt taste is pleasantly rich without being sweet and these two flavors intermingle together lasting to the finish which ends on a dry note.
Medium texture with balancing carbonation.
Overall it's a favorable impression of a well made adjunct lager that has poise, balance and makes friends easily.
Sep 24, 2017
3.78/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Light ginger ale appearance with white cap.
Pleasing clean aroma of herbal, spicy hops over a sweet malt base.
Flavor is hop forward on entry which is sharper than I was expecting. Not straighten your hair stunning but enough to be surprising for an AAL lager. Hops are quickly joined by malt/grain providing a smooth, round texture which gives heft to the whole. Malt taste is pleasantly rich without being sweet and these two flavors intermingle together lasting to the finish which ends on a dry note.
Medium texture with balancing carbonation.
Overall it's a favorable impression of a well made adjunct lager that has poise, balance and makes friends easily.
Sep 24, 2017
Champagne Velvet from Upland Brewing Company
Beer rating:
77 out of
100 with
276 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with ≥ 150 characters.
Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.
Close