Harp Lager
Guinness Ltd.
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Lager - European Pale
Ranked #56 - ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- 74
Ranked #49,149 - Avg:
- 3.25 | pDev: 17.23%
- Reviews:
- 790
- Ratings:
- From:
- Guinness Ltd.
- Ireland
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 57
- Gots
- 602
SCORE
74
Okay
74
Okay
Notes:
Reviews: 790
| Ratings: 2,744
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
Alexc11 from Canada (QC)
3.62/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours pale gold, fizzzy color with nice head and good lacing. Overall, cereal and sweet flavours and aroma. Some malt and bread overtones in there as well. Elevated carbonation, mild bitterness. Not particularly special but a good lager.
Jan 28, 2021
3.62/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours pale gold, fizzzy color with nice head and good lacing. Overall, cereal and sweet flavours and aroma. Some malt and bread overtones in there as well. Elevated carbonation, mild bitterness. Not particularly special but a good lager.
Jan 28, 2021
DrBeergood from Ohio
4.14/5 rDev +27.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I'm not sure why it's only rated 74/100? Let's get to the bottom of this...
L: It looks rather well. First it is quite active. The nucleation is absolutely insane. It is crystal clear.
S: I'm picking up an equal amount of barley and hops on the nose. I expected more grassiness to it.
T: On the back of the label it mentions a German brewmaster--The German qualities of this beer are apparent--It is buttery (German) and earthy (Pilsner). I would estimate this to be a 2 hop blend, 3 if you're making Half&Half. It is excellent in a Half&Half. In a Half&Half it is mellow, bitter (but not biting), and earthy.
T: Either way, it is a clean, pure, great tasting beer, moderate, yes, as beer should be. If this beer had a personality, it would be the strong silent type.
F: Buttery with a semi dry finish. The appearance of the Half&Half is lacking--Harp is light bodied and mixes easily with Guinness. A heavier beer like a full-blown German hefeweizen will look like a playing card is separating the two brews.
O: Fine brew. I think the bottle itself could be more pretty. I think the ceramic tap handles with gold and blue logos looked best. Vanity. It's beer made for drinking, have some.
Jan 16, 2021
4.14/5 rDev +27.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I'm not sure why it's only rated 74/100? Let's get to the bottom of this...
L: It looks rather well. First it is quite active. The nucleation is absolutely insane. It is crystal clear.
S: I'm picking up an equal amount of barley and hops on the nose. I expected more grassiness to it.
T: On the back of the label it mentions a German brewmaster--The German qualities of this beer are apparent--It is buttery (German) and earthy (Pilsner). I would estimate this to be a 2 hop blend, 3 if you're making Half&Half. It is excellent in a Half&Half. In a Half&Half it is mellow, bitter (but not biting), and earthy.
T: Either way, it is a clean, pure, great tasting beer, moderate, yes, as beer should be. If this beer had a personality, it would be the strong silent type.
F: Buttery with a semi dry finish. The appearance of the Half&Half is lacking--Harp is light bodied and mixes easily with Guinness. A heavier beer like a full-blown German hefeweizen will look like a playing card is separating the two brews.
O: Fine brew. I think the bottle itself could be more pretty. I think the ceramic tap handles with gold and blue logos looked best. Vanity. It's beer made for drinking, have some.
Jan 16, 2021
Peach63 from New York
3.98/5 rDev +22.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours golden yellow with a 1 inch white head, which lasts. Moderate lacing to the end.
Aroma is bready, malty, yeasty, grassy.
Taste is bready, malty, slightly sweet.
Light bodied, light carbonation. Semi-dry finish.
This is a very nice lager. Much better than Bud.
Jan 05, 2021
3.98/5 rDev +22.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours golden yellow with a 1 inch white head, which lasts. Moderate lacing to the end.
Aroma is bready, malty, yeasty, grassy.
Taste is bready, malty, slightly sweet.
Light bodied, light carbonation. Semi-dry finish.
This is a very nice lager. Much better than Bud.
Jan 05, 2021
datstankadank from New Jersey
3.84/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
11.2 oz bottle, brewed in and imported from ireland, st. James gate. Direct pour into pilsner urquell .5l mug. Light golden appearance under dense 4 finger head. Light grassy hop, fresh biscuit malt smell. Taste follows, very balanced very refreshing. Very easy drinking. The head on this beer would not go away, which to me is a sign of a great product. Good, exceptionally clean and semi-dry beer, serving its purpose.
Dec 07, 2020
3.84/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
11.2 oz bottle, brewed in and imported from ireland, st. James gate. Direct pour into pilsner urquell .5l mug. Light golden appearance under dense 4 finger head. Light grassy hop, fresh biscuit malt smell. Taste follows, very balanced very refreshing. Very easy drinking. The head on this beer would not go away, which to me is a sign of a great product. Good, exceptionally clean and semi-dry beer, serving its purpose.
Dec 07, 2020
crazyspicychef from Pennsylvania
3.66/5 rDev +12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Not bad, not great either.
If you're looking for a good thirst quencher this will fit the bill.
Far better than anything domestic in it's catagory but very faint malt presence with a subtle hop finish. Just enough to balance it out.
Nov 15, 2020
3.66/5 rDev +12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Not bad, not great either.
If you're looking for a good thirst quencher this will fit the bill.
Far better than anything domestic in it's catagory but very faint malt presence with a subtle hop finish. Just enough to balance it out.
Nov 15, 2020
GreesyFizeek from New York
3.37/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On tap at Mulconry's Irish Pub in Faiport, NY.
This one pours a clear golden yellow color, with a small head, and a bit of lacing.
This smells grassy, with kind of a stale sweetness on the nose.
This isn't quite as bad as the 74 rating would indicate, but it's also still not very good. There's a pleasant floral and grassy character, though it's obviously not all that hoppy. The sort of grainy and stale sweetness is not my favorite, though.
This is light bodied, crisp, and relatively clean finishing, with a good drinkability to it.
I can't believe I haven't tried this yet. It's nothing crazy, but fun to try.
Nov 07, 2020
3.37/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On tap at Mulconry's Irish Pub in Faiport, NY.
This one pours a clear golden yellow color, with a small head, and a bit of lacing.
This smells grassy, with kind of a stale sweetness on the nose.
This isn't quite as bad as the 74 rating would indicate, but it's also still not very good. There's a pleasant floral and grassy character, though it's obviously not all that hoppy. The sort of grainy and stale sweetness is not my favorite, though.
This is light bodied, crisp, and relatively clean finishing, with a good drinkability to it.
I can't believe I haven't tried this yet. It's nothing crazy, but fun to try.
Nov 07, 2020
realJohnnyHobo from Maryland
3.72/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
A lovely yellow lager with a lot of action and a stable creamy white head into a pint glass. Scent notes are of bread, alongside the carbon dissipation is the grassiness undertones of hops and maltiness. Taste is similar, more along with that of what you'd find out of holland by the way of a euro-larger. Yeast notes do play a big factor in the overall body of the beer. A bit hoppy too, likely in the 16+ IBU range which is decent for a lager but I couldn't confirm as there is no website for the brand or any selling information, though it is sold on keg and bottle conditions in the states. Medium body, a bit soapy mouthfeel that has a semi-sweetened malt finish - reminds me of a hoppy Kaliber beer.
Oct 27, 2020
3.72/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
A lovely yellow lager with a lot of action and a stable creamy white head into a pint glass. Scent notes are of bread, alongside the carbon dissipation is the grassiness undertones of hops and maltiness. Taste is similar, more along with that of what you'd find out of holland by the way of a euro-larger. Yeast notes do play a big factor in the overall body of the beer. A bit hoppy too, likely in the 16+ IBU range which is decent for a lager but I couldn't confirm as there is no website for the brand or any selling information, though it is sold on keg and bottle conditions in the states. Medium body, a bit soapy mouthfeel that has a semi-sweetened malt finish - reminds me of a hoppy Kaliber beer.
Oct 27, 2020
mikeinportc from New York
3.12/5 rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
Absolutely clear gold, with moderate white head, that leaves a spotty ring of thin lacing.
Smells of sweet grain, floral hops, honey, a bit of sweet apple+pear, and a slight doughy aroma, as the head fades.
Taste is light apple candy or gum, a little bread crust, and some noble hop spiciness. The hop flavor accounts for the majority of the flavor - 2/3? Light bitterness, that lingers about 10 seconds past finish.
Feel is light, and smooth, with light carbonation tingle.
Overall, it's inoffensive, and not bad, just not enough flavor to enjoy. I was hoping for more grain/malt flavor after the initial fruitiness, & it just never shows up. Sort of like the Underwear Gnomes of South Park, that go from Step 1 to Step 3, & never figure out Step 2. Probably refreshing on a hot summer day, & I'd take one if offered, but I don't foresee having this again anytime soon.
Oct 25, 2020
3.12/5 rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
Absolutely clear gold, with moderate white head, that leaves a spotty ring of thin lacing.
Smells of sweet grain, floral hops, honey, a bit of sweet apple+pear, and a slight doughy aroma, as the head fades.
Taste is light apple candy or gum, a little bread crust, and some noble hop spiciness. The hop flavor accounts for the majority of the flavor - 2/3? Light bitterness, that lingers about 10 seconds past finish.
Feel is light, and smooth, with light carbonation tingle.
Overall, it's inoffensive, and not bad, just not enough flavor to enjoy. I was hoping for more grain/malt flavor after the initial fruitiness, & it just never shows up. Sort of like the Underwear Gnomes of South Park, that go from Step 1 to Step 3, & never figure out Step 2. Probably refreshing on a hot summer day, & I'd take one if offered, but I don't foresee having this again anytime soon.
Oct 25, 2020
Paddy-loves-beer from Pennsylvania
2.9/5 rDev -10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
One of my least favorite beers I had while living in Dublin, and I love beer. It's an average lager - nothing flashy and certainly not spectacular, but solid enough. Plenty of better Irish beer options though.
Oct 15, 2020
2.9/5 rDev -10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
One of my least favorite beers I had while living in Dublin, and I love beer. It's an average lager - nothing flashy and certainly not spectacular, but solid enough. Plenty of better Irish beer options though.
Oct 15, 2020
jjamadorphd from Florida
3.55/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Decent lager - nothing flashy and certainly not spectacular, but solid enough...
Great dark amber color with frothy head, it leave a small amount of noticeable lacing. The smell is also-ran - nothing of notable in this case. Mouthfeel is very much carbonated, a bit detracting from the experience, but the taste is bold, lightly hop-forward and adds to the full-bodied nature of the beer. Overall, this was definitely enjoyable, grab yourself one when you see it.
Sep 27, 2020
3.55/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Decent lager - nothing flashy and certainly not spectacular, but solid enough...
Great dark amber color with frothy head, it leave a small amount of noticeable lacing. The smell is also-ran - nothing of notable in this case. Mouthfeel is very much carbonated, a bit detracting from the experience, but the taste is bold, lightly hop-forward and adds to the full-bodied nature of the beer. Overall, this was definitely enjoyable, grab yourself one when you see it.
Sep 27, 2020
dapatriot1 from New York
3.5/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
nice deep golden color with foamy head
the beer has an aroma of dried grass and yeasty bread.
Strong European noble hops. floral, grassy, and flaked grains. slightly skunky. No bitterness. Completely dry
Very smooth
Jul 31, 2020
3.5/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
nice deep golden color with foamy head
the beer has an aroma of dried grass and yeasty bread.
Strong European noble hops. floral, grassy, and flaked grains. slightly skunky. No bitterness. Completely dry
Very smooth
Jul 31, 2020
buschbeer from Ohio
2.95/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.75
11.2 FL. OZ. bottle
Served in a Harp glass. I finally had a use for this damn glass.
This beer pours a bright golden color. It is topped with an inch of fluffy, off white head that leaves little lacing.
The smell is sweet malt, light citrus hops, and a mild skunked aroma.
The taste is sweet and citrusy up front. I get slight bitterness in the finish with a little skunk flavor.
Medium bodied with a creamy mouthfeel
This is not a favorite. I hadn't had it in years and wanted to revisit. I won't revisit it again for years if ever.
Jun 20, 2020
2.95/5 rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.75
11.2 FL. OZ. bottle
Served in a Harp glass. I finally had a use for this damn glass.
This beer pours a bright golden color. It is topped with an inch of fluffy, off white head that leaves little lacing.
The smell is sweet malt, light citrus hops, and a mild skunked aroma.
The taste is sweet and citrusy up front. I get slight bitterness in the finish with a little skunk flavor.
Medium bodied with a creamy mouthfeel
This is not a favorite. I hadn't had it in years and wanted to revisit. I won't revisit it again for years if ever.
Jun 20, 2020
Blasterson from Canada (ON)
3.97/5 rDev +22.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Harp is my go to beer, plain and simple. Had it for the first time on my 28th birthday at a local Irish pub, and it has been my favourite lager since.
Look: darker than your average euro lager. An dark gold, clear, with a thick white head. Good lacing that lingers for a long time. Looks delicious in a lager glass.
Smell: faint sweet malt, with only a slight hop bitterness that tickles the nose.
Taste: Malt and fruity. An almost-cider flavour upfront with a lingering bread/cracker taste that sticks around pleasantly. More flavorful than the average lager, aided by the thicker mouthfeel which helps maintain the flavour.
Feel: High carbon with a creamy finish. Leaves a wonderful film in the mouth that I thoroughly enjoy.
Overall: I love this beer, even if it is a simple macro-brew lager.
The only beer I've had that is a similar experience is Stiegl's Salzburger Lager, which I will probably buy whenever Harp is sold out.
Jun 14, 2020
3.97/5 rDev +22.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Harp is my go to beer, plain and simple. Had it for the first time on my 28th birthday at a local Irish pub, and it has been my favourite lager since.
Look: darker than your average euro lager. An dark gold, clear, with a thick white head. Good lacing that lingers for a long time. Looks delicious in a lager glass.
Smell: faint sweet malt, with only a slight hop bitterness that tickles the nose.
Taste: Malt and fruity. An almost-cider flavour upfront with a lingering bread/cracker taste that sticks around pleasantly. More flavorful than the average lager, aided by the thicker mouthfeel which helps maintain the flavour.
Feel: High carbon with a creamy finish. Leaves a wonderful film in the mouth that I thoroughly enjoy.
Overall: I love this beer, even if it is a simple macro-brew lager.
The only beer I've had that is a similar experience is Stiegl's Salzburger Lager, which I will probably buy whenever Harp is sold out.
Jun 14, 2020
BlakeA85 from Ohio
3.8/5 rDev +16.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
First review since I was 16 and thought I knew what I was talking about, just turned 21 (lol)
Honestly, drank it from the bottle.
Smelled slightly fruity, but nice and malty all the same.
Taste is pretty damn good, really balanced flavor between a small bitterness and a strong malt flavor.
I enjoyed it, though I generally enjoy most of Guinness's offerings. (I'm a sucker for Extra Stout)
May 05, 2020
3.8/5 rDev +16.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
First review since I was 16 and thought I knew what I was talking about, just turned 21 (lol)
Honestly, drank it from the bottle.
Smelled slightly fruity, but nice and malty all the same.
Taste is pretty damn good, really balanced flavor between a small bitterness and a strong malt flavor.
I enjoyed it, though I generally enjoy most of Guinness's offerings. (I'm a sucker for Extra Stout)
May 05, 2020
AccipiterofBeer from New York
3.5/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: 3.5 clear gold with nice carbonation. Retains a white head.
S: 3.5 surprisingly complex. Grainy and fruity. Lager malts.
T: 3.5 Hops and grains. Corn.
F: 3.5 goes down easy.
O: 3.5 pretty average lager. Not special, but not something to overlook.
Mar 02, 2020
3.5/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
L: 3.5 clear gold with nice carbonation. Retains a white head.
S: 3.5 surprisingly complex. Grainy and fruity. Lager malts.
T: 3.5 Hops and grains. Corn.
F: 3.5 goes down easy.
O: 3.5 pretty average lager. Not special, but not something to overlook.
Mar 02, 2020
jwp777 from Oklahoma
3.55/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a gold color. Head starts off about one finger but fades to about 1/4 inch. Lacing lasts a while.
Aroma is like fresh baked bread, yeast, and a touch of citrus.
Taste is a bit hoppy, strong bread and yeast components. Little bit of citrus tang in the finish.
Feel is very refreshing. Medium to light body and medium carbonation. Very smooth and easy to drink, particularly on draught.
A good choice if you want the taste and feel of an Irish brew but without the heaviness of Guinness.
Dec 16, 2019
3.55/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pours a gold color. Head starts off about one finger but fades to about 1/4 inch. Lacing lasts a while.
Aroma is like fresh baked bread, yeast, and a touch of citrus.
Taste is a bit hoppy, strong bread and yeast components. Little bit of citrus tang in the finish.
Feel is very refreshing. Medium to light body and medium carbonation. Very smooth and easy to drink, particularly on draught.
A good choice if you want the taste and feel of an Irish brew but without the heaviness of Guinness.
Dec 16, 2019
wmscottsimpsonjr from Missouri
3.79/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Clear gold with one finger head. Toasty, breast, honey malt with a little citrus and general fruitiness. The flavor more or less follows, toast with apple, citrus. I perceive it as a little on the sweet side, but it might be the flavor. Bitterness is present. Medium light mouthfeel, moderate to high carbonation.
Nov 19, 2019
3.79/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Clear gold with one finger head. Toasty, breast, honey malt with a little citrus and general fruitiness. The flavor more or less follows, toast with apple, citrus. I perceive it as a little on the sweet side, but it might be the flavor. Bitterness is present. Medium light mouthfeel, moderate to high carbonation.
Nov 19, 2019
Vetbidder from Pennsylvania
3.52/5 rDev +8.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
See through light golden brew with a decent white head. Euro pale nose with a slight bready center. Bready with a slight hop bite to it on the flavor. Smooth is another characteristic I’d assign to it along with somewhat creamy with more body than many similar brews. Decent if you like these sorts of beers.
Nov 01, 2019
3.52/5 rDev +8.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
See through light golden brew with a decent white head. Euro pale nose with a slight bready center. Bready with a slight hop bite to it on the flavor. Smooth is another characteristic I’d assign to it along with somewhat creamy with more body than many similar brews. Decent if you like these sorts of beers.
Nov 01, 2019
Bouleboubier from New Jersey
3.93/5 rDev +20.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
(330 ml bottle, code L8210GF004; purchased shelf single... poured into Belhaven pub pint)
L: polished-clear, golden liquid; explosive towering pearly-white spongy foam on pour... incredible rocky, moussy coif; bouncy
S: Euro pale ester aromas no doubt (as opposed to AAL); honey-kissed grainy bread crust; cracker-y; hint of dried fruit (apricot?, leathery)
T: golden bread-crusty malt, rather dry (and arguably a touch too bland) in its finish, with a subtle phenolic, lightly peppery spice lingering in the aftertaste... dull, herbal bitterness... the malt is rather rich and layered, but simple... faint honey-nut note builds
F: lightly-luscious texture, satiny viscosity; has some substance, but drops off clean enough and leaves little residual film
O: not bad, but this bottle was perhaps a bit past prime; I've had this on draft a couple times and was pleased... it will be a viable option in the not-at-all-uncommon event I'm in the mood for a sixer of the Euro pale (1427)
Aug 07, 2019
3.93/5 rDev +20.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
(330 ml bottle, code L8210GF004; purchased shelf single... poured into Belhaven pub pint)
L: polished-clear, golden liquid; explosive towering pearly-white spongy foam on pour... incredible rocky, moussy coif; bouncy
S: Euro pale ester aromas no doubt (as opposed to AAL); honey-kissed grainy bread crust; cracker-y; hint of dried fruit (apricot?, leathery)
T: golden bread-crusty malt, rather dry (and arguably a touch too bland) in its finish, with a subtle phenolic, lightly peppery spice lingering in the aftertaste... dull, herbal bitterness... the malt is rather rich and layered, but simple... faint honey-nut note builds
F: lightly-luscious texture, satiny viscosity; has some substance, but drops off clean enough and leaves little residual film
O: not bad, but this bottle was perhaps a bit past prime; I've had this on draft a couple times and was pleased... it will be a viable option in the not-at-all-uncommon event I'm in the mood for a sixer of the Euro pale (1427)
Aug 07, 2019
Gajo74 from New York
3.25/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
Pours a clear golden color with visible fizzy carbonation. A big foam head showed good retention.
Aromas of grainy malt and corn adjuncts. There is a touch of floral and dimly bright citrus hops.
Moderately sweet with flavors of grain and corn. There is only a minimal touch of hops bitterness and some bright citrus flavors.
Light bodied and somewhat crisp, although not refreshing enough to my liking. Moderate carbonation and a clean finish.
I would rate this as merely ok for what it is.
Jul 28, 2019
3.25/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25
Pours a clear golden color with visible fizzy carbonation. A big foam head showed good retention.
Aromas of grainy malt and corn adjuncts. There is a touch of floral and dimly bright citrus hops.
Moderately sweet with flavors of grain and corn. There is only a minimal touch of hops bitterness and some bright citrus flavors.
Light bodied and somewhat crisp, although not refreshing enough to my liking. Moderate carbonation and a clean finish.
I would rate this as merely ok for what it is.
Jul 28, 2019
ZenAgnostic from Texas
4.76/5 rDev +46.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
11.2oz / 330ml bottle poured into Duvel tulip. No discernable date, but some cryptic characters printed on the back label. I had some kind of factory defect bottle because it was made with an extra front label stuck on the side, half overlapping the actual front and back labels. Picked it up at the grocery store as part of a $10 six pack mixer.
Appearance - Clear medium gold body with faint, fine floaties. Medium sized white susdy head with good retention and decent to decent-low stick. 4
Smell - Characteristic euro lager grainy malt. Like the ones you commonly find in the green bottles. No characteristic skunkiness though. Thank goodness for brown bottles! 4.25
Taste - A perfectly balanced euro lager without any of that skunk. 5
Mouthfeel - No astringency! Clean and balanced. Medium bodied. Refreshing. 5
Overall - The best in style I've ever had. Maybe other companies should take a hint and stop skunking their beers by putting them in green bottles. Just a thought? 5
Jun 05, 2019
4.76/5 rDev +46.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
11.2oz / 330ml bottle poured into Duvel tulip. No discernable date, but some cryptic characters printed on the back label. I had some kind of factory defect bottle because it was made with an extra front label stuck on the side, half overlapping the actual front and back labels. Picked it up at the grocery store as part of a $10 six pack mixer.
Appearance - Clear medium gold body with faint, fine floaties. Medium sized white susdy head with good retention and decent to decent-low stick. 4
Smell - Characteristic euro lager grainy malt. Like the ones you commonly find in the green bottles. No characteristic skunkiness though. Thank goodness for brown bottles! 4.25
Taste - A perfectly balanced euro lager without any of that skunk. 5
Mouthfeel - No astringency! Clean and balanced. Medium bodied. Refreshing. 5
Overall - The best in style I've ever had. Maybe other companies should take a hint and stop skunking their beers by putting them in green bottles. Just a thought? 5
Jun 05, 2019
Thisdrinkinglife from Switzerland
3.27/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 3 | smell: 1 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Review: 500ml can of Harp Lager: 4.0% vol.
The brand was traditionally marketed with the Brian Boru harp as its main emblem. These days the bottle and design is all modern, still has the famous harp logo but it’s this time blended in with a striking blue colour that it’s barely noticeable. Pity really.
Lower alcohol rate in Ireland, cause we can’t be trusted with stronger volumes of beer!
On the appearance it looks fine, a standard enough look for a lager really, good frothy white head and a golden coloured beer on show. Ok.
On the nose it was pretty odorless really. Disappointing.
It is light on the taste, a bit thin but pretty crisp, clean and very smooth, relaxing and soft on the tongue, goes down very easy. Nice and creamy mouthfuls hitting the spot.
Typical lagery taste, grainy with mild hops, barley and malts, a touch of citrus. All perfectly balanced.
Enjoyable, a nice one to sip and enjoy slowly.
Over time enjoyed it a lot, best lager I have had in awhile. Feels very nourishing, not with a huge array of flavours but crispy enough to do the business.
Just a bloody good lager. Recommended for a slow day on the sofa watching the football!
Best lager in a while, nourishing, nice to sip slowly, just a great lager. Simplicity.
May 21, 2019
3.27/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 3 | smell: 1 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Review: 500ml can of Harp Lager: 4.0% vol.
The brand was traditionally marketed with the Brian Boru harp as its main emblem. These days the bottle and design is all modern, still has the famous harp logo but it’s this time blended in with a striking blue colour that it’s barely noticeable. Pity really.
Lower alcohol rate in Ireland, cause we can’t be trusted with stronger volumes of beer!
On the appearance it looks fine, a standard enough look for a lager really, good frothy white head and a golden coloured beer on show. Ok.
On the nose it was pretty odorless really. Disappointing.
It is light on the taste, a bit thin but pretty crisp, clean and very smooth, relaxing and soft on the tongue, goes down very easy. Nice and creamy mouthfuls hitting the spot.
Typical lagery taste, grainy with mild hops, barley and malts, a touch of citrus. All perfectly balanced.
Enjoyable, a nice one to sip and enjoy slowly.
Over time enjoyed it a lot, best lager I have had in awhile. Feels very nourishing, not with a huge array of flavours but crispy enough to do the business.
Just a bloody good lager. Recommended for a slow day on the sofa watching the football!
Best lager in a while, nourishing, nice to sip slowly, just a great lager. Simplicity.
May 21, 2019
manoshandsoffate from Pennsylvania
2.75/5 rDev -15.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Another Mix A Six pick from my local Giant. It took me a while to get into this one. 12 oz bottle poured into standard pilsner glass.
Look: Bright amber color with a thick head of small bubbles. Lacing sticks around for the whole experience.
Smell: I've honestly smelled AAL's that posess a more balanced aroma than this. Skunky hops. Weird uncooked pizza dough malt. A wee bit off putting.
Taste: Malty biscuit and grains, smooth and buttery finish. Very refreshing and not too heavy for a Euro lager.
Feel: Spicy tingle from the bubbles gives way to a rich and smooth swallow. Leaves a little slickness behind.
Overall: Excellent flavor balance, looks quite inviting in a glass. It's too bad it smells a little off. Perhaps the imported bottle is the culprit. Still, a pretty refreshing Euro lager I'll probably buy again.
May 17, 2019
2.75/5 rDev -15.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Another Mix A Six pick from my local Giant. It took me a while to get into this one. 12 oz bottle poured into standard pilsner glass.
Look: Bright amber color with a thick head of small bubbles. Lacing sticks around for the whole experience.
Smell: I've honestly smelled AAL's that posess a more balanced aroma than this. Skunky hops. Weird uncooked pizza dough malt. A wee bit off putting.
Taste: Malty biscuit and grains, smooth and buttery finish. Very refreshing and not too heavy for a Euro lager.
Feel: Spicy tingle from the bubbles gives way to a rich and smooth swallow. Leaves a little slickness behind.
Overall: Excellent flavor balance, looks quite inviting in a glass. It's too bad it smells a little off. Perhaps the imported bottle is the culprit. Still, a pretty refreshing Euro lager I'll probably buy again.
May 17, 2019
phildo79 from Northern Ireland
1/5 rDev -69.2%
look: 1 | smell: 1 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
You can make this at home, dead easy. Just urinate into a corny keg until you fill it up to 19L and then force carbonate. If you need help filling the corny, just ask you mates, your mum or an elderly relative with a colostomy bag to help out.
May 05, 2019
1/5 rDev -69.2%
look: 1 | smell: 1 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
You can make this at home, dead easy. Just urinate into a corny keg until you fill it up to 19L and then force carbonate. If you need help filling the corny, just ask you mates, your mum or an elderly relative with a colostomy bag to help out.
May 05, 2019
defunksta from North Dakota
3.97/5 rDev +22.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a darker than (lager) average, deep golden color with a good amount of carbonation and a foamy and sticky billowing head that leaves a beautiful lace on the glass. SRM of 9. (4.25)
Aroma: Aromas of bread yeast, rising bread dough, flour, and some dried grass. Lots of grass and German malts. A little lemon flower. Dried and yeasty. Overall, impressed by the aromas (4.00)
Taste: Strong European noble hops. Very floral, grassy, and completely dried and flaked grains. Then a strong rubbery Munich malt twang in the middle. Salty bread. A little skunky. No bitterness. Completely dry and a definite fresh rubber finish to it. (4.00)
Feel: Very smooth. Well carbonated. Leaves a definite rubber astringency on the finish. (3.50)
Compared w/ Sapporo 3/1/20: More grassy corn. Less white rice and dryness. More rubber, yeasty, and bready.
Compared w/ Dos Equis 3/1/20: More grassy corn. Less crisp, carbonation, and cereal. More rubbery and grassy.
Compared w/ Dakota's Summit Soul: Similar appearance. More grass, lemongrass, and Munich malt. Less salty/sweet bread. Stronger rubber and Munich notes. Finishes lighter and cleaner.
Compared w/ St. Peter's Brand 4/2/20: Pours a slightly darker color. Slightly stronger aromas and flavor. More bread and malty. Slightly heavier, smooth, and sweet.
2/28/21: Pours a similar color with a larger head. More yeasty and bread dough aromas/flavors. Stronger carbonation, yeast, and dry.
Compared to Josefbrau Summerbrew 5/7/20: Pours a darker color. More sweet bread with rubber. Less grape with rubber. Finishes slightly sweeter. Nearly identical beers.
Compared to Trader Joe's Lager 2/22/21: Pours a similar, slightly more pale color. Stronger aromas. More yeast, bread dough. Less smooth pale malt. Fuller, dryer, and more crisp.
Compared to Stella Artois 3/4/21: Similar color, slightly larger head. More pale malt and bread. Less lemon, German hops, and grassy flavors. Fuller and breadier, dryer. Somewhat similar
Overall: Quite a good European pale lager. Quite an interesting rubber component that has shown to be repeatable. Compared to others I would say more grass and earthy, stone, dried grain flavor. A drying astringency as well. Sort of like a Asian rice beer, but a larger body. Overall, this is a delicious euro pale ale that lives up to the Guinness name with a rubbery twist. (Final Rating: 4.07)
*Compare to Peters Brand, Orangeboom, Honeyweiss? or Urquell?
May 03, 2019
3.97/5 rDev +22.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a darker than (lager) average, deep golden color with a good amount of carbonation and a foamy and sticky billowing head that leaves a beautiful lace on the glass. SRM of 9. (4.25)
Aroma: Aromas of bread yeast, rising bread dough, flour, and some dried grass. Lots of grass and German malts. A little lemon flower. Dried and yeasty. Overall, impressed by the aromas (4.00)
Taste: Strong European noble hops. Very floral, grassy, and completely dried and flaked grains. Then a strong rubbery Munich malt twang in the middle. Salty bread. A little skunky. No bitterness. Completely dry and a definite fresh rubber finish to it. (4.00)
Feel: Very smooth. Well carbonated. Leaves a definite rubber astringency on the finish. (3.50)
Compared w/ Sapporo 3/1/20: More grassy corn. Less white rice and dryness. More rubber, yeasty, and bready.
Compared w/ Dos Equis 3/1/20: More grassy corn. Less crisp, carbonation, and cereal. More rubbery and grassy.
Compared w/ Dakota's Summit Soul: Similar appearance. More grass, lemongrass, and Munich malt. Less salty/sweet bread. Stronger rubber and Munich notes. Finishes lighter and cleaner.
Compared w/ St. Peter's Brand 4/2/20: Pours a slightly darker color. Slightly stronger aromas and flavor. More bread and malty. Slightly heavier, smooth, and sweet.
2/28/21: Pours a similar color with a larger head. More yeasty and bread dough aromas/flavors. Stronger carbonation, yeast, and dry.
Compared to Josefbrau Summerbrew 5/7/20: Pours a darker color. More sweet bread with rubber. Less grape with rubber. Finishes slightly sweeter. Nearly identical beers.
Compared to Trader Joe's Lager 2/22/21: Pours a similar, slightly more pale color. Stronger aromas. More yeast, bread dough. Less smooth pale malt. Fuller, dryer, and more crisp.
Compared to Stella Artois 3/4/21: Similar color, slightly larger head. More pale malt and bread. Less lemon, German hops, and grassy flavors. Fuller and breadier, dryer. Somewhat similar
Overall: Quite a good European pale lager. Quite an interesting rubber component that has shown to be repeatable. Compared to others I would say more grass and earthy, stone, dried grain flavor. A drying astringency as well. Sort of like a Asian rice beer, but a larger body. Overall, this is a delicious euro pale ale that lives up to the Guinness name with a rubbery twist. (Final Rating: 4.07)
*Compare to Peters Brand, Orangeboom, Honeyweiss? or Urquell?
May 03, 2019
Harp Lager from Guinness Ltd.
Beer rating:
74 out of
100 with
2744 ratings
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