Pflugenpflagen Vienna
Great Waters Brewing

Dark amber color with some red hues that border on the purple end of red. Some prickle and very little lacing. I wasn't expecting huge head out of a growler though. The nose is malty but there is enough balance to it that it avoids coming across as sweet, but barely. There are some dark roasted notes that aren't quite smoke, but maybe like a "campfire steam" after further sniffing. The initial attack is wonderful. Its smooth and gives me doses of caramel, some grain and a little nut. The raw grain flavor ends up poking through over time as I continue to sip at the beer. The hops is understated for sure. There is a mild creaminess about the mouthfeel. It definitely has some structure to it. This beer reminds me of some of the offerings from New Belgium brewing in Fort Collins, CO. It's probably somewhere between "skinny dip" and "fat tire." I don't want to needlessly advertise someone else so I will leave it at that. I like the beer alright. The first sip was deliriously good, but it plateaus quickly and settles into being a drinkable and good beer, but less remarkable than I initially though.

I did want to comment that I am surprise at the Vienna Lager "style." I didn't realize that Great Waters did any lagering. Very well.

On-tap the Brewpub: Coppery toned color with a finger high capping of fluffy, firm, light tanned foam. Keeps a good bubbley skim and a solid collar present. Laces in teathered rings around the glass.

Aroma is of toasted berries, pale malt, and dried breads.

Taste has nice rounded flavors that balance well with a mild berry tone within a semi sweet toffee sweetenss pinched with vanilla and dried fig. The Vienna malt is lightly placed in a sweeter, fresher, bready tone then toasty and finishes with a feathery burntness under the sweet berry malt.

Feel is about medium, mildly sweet and snappy with a nice rounded, soft, malty smoothness. Quite drinkable and refreshing. A nice Vienna. The berry fruityness is nicely played along a toffee breaded sweetness.