Festbier
Fremont Brewing Company

I’ve really been spoiled by Wisconsin craft beer. Midwest in general. This fest beer, while not bad at all, is way too hoppy and bitter for the style . It looked great for the style. But I think Fremont brewing is more of an IPA and BAB brewery but still cool to see. I thought I read that they have one of the most prestigious barrel ageing programs around but not sure.

 

 

Filled 9/19/20 and poured from a 32oz crowler into a 16oz glass mug.

The color is a golden yellow, with a small white head that quickly dissipates. Translucent and bubbly.

It smells like a crisp lager. The sweet malts dominate, but a slight skunky character hides in the background.

The taste surprises with complexity. The sweet malt flavor initially leads but the bitter, skunky character that was subtle in the aroma quickly dominates and persists. Increasingly dry and bitter.

The feel is effervescent and crisp. It isn't smooth or balanced. It's refreshing but it packs a bitter bite.

The unexpectedly complex bitter flavors of this beer are impressive. It hits the spot for its style, but it also asserts a surprising character. Overall, a nice seasonal offering that provides what one looks for in the style alongside a uniquely bitter character.

2020-09-17
32oz crowler served in a nonic pint. Fill date was yesterday, bought it at the brewery.

Pours a clear golden with a brassy tinge to it. Big fluffy white head that collapses slowly, lots of carbonation. Smell is lager yeast, hay and barley husks. A little grassy/lemony note.

Taste is...layered. I think I detected three waves of flavor. A crisp but nondescript bitterness up front, barley sweetness in the middle, and floral/lemon bitterness on the backend. I don't recall ever having such a sensation before. Distinctness of those waves fades after the first sip (or I imagined them in the first place), but they're still there.

Mouthfeel is light, dry, clean, crisp. Overall, this is a nice beer and I'll have no trouble drinking this entire crowler.