Barking Squirrel Lager
Hop City Brewing Co.
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- From:
- Hop City Brewing Co.
- Ontario, Canada
- Style:
- Lager - American Amber / Red
Ranked #44 - ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- 79
Ranked #29,031 - Avg:
- 3.47 | pDev: 15.27%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 08, 2022
- Added:
- Nov 16, 2009
- Wants:
- 16
- Gots:
- 147
SCORE
79
Okay
79
Okay
Notes:
Barking Squirrel is a 5% ABV amber lager with a distinct rich burnt orange colour and subtle noble hop aroma. Its medium body, pleasant hop bitterness and caramel malt sweetness makes it smooth and drinkable with a slight hop aftertaste.
24 IBU
24 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
1.44 by Spark420 on May 08, 2022
3.25/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.25
by karsten61
Strong caramel smell. Has a redish brown colour. It has a strong toffee/caramel flavour. Has a stale aftertaste but has a nice texture. 44/100
Jun 23, 2021
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.25
by karsten61
Strong caramel smell. Has a redish brown colour. It has a strong toffee/caramel flavour. Has a stale aftertaste but has a nice texture. 44/100
Jun 23, 2021
2.77/5 rDev -20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
by BPVandenbroek from Canada (AB)
Barking Squirrel is a crystal clear, medium copper colored lager with a packed, cream colored head. Retention is decent, if not outright great.
Taking a sniff, the first thing I smell is caramel sweetness. Nuttiness combines with soda cracker to lend support and depth to that up front sweetness. The rest of Barking Squirrel's nose is dry and slightly bready with no notable hop profile in the finish.
On the tongue, Barking Squirrel starts off sweet, with carbonation swooping in pretty quick in a way that feels maybe a little over assertive. As with the nose the flavors are nutty, and dry in a generally bready sort of a way. The flavors don't really come together well though, they somehow just don't mesh together in a way that's balanced or harmonious. There seems to be a slick, out of place sweetness in there as well, driving things a little more out of balance.
Barking Squirrel just tastes like a mainstream lager's attempt at an amber ale. The flavors are there, they just don't compliment or balance each other in a way that's enjoyable.
May 26, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
by BPVandenbroek from Canada (AB)
Barking Squirrel is a crystal clear, medium copper colored lager with a packed, cream colored head. Retention is decent, if not outright great.
Taking a sniff, the first thing I smell is caramel sweetness. Nuttiness combines with soda cracker to lend support and depth to that up front sweetness. The rest of Barking Squirrel's nose is dry and slightly bready with no notable hop profile in the finish.
On the tongue, Barking Squirrel starts off sweet, with carbonation swooping in pretty quick in a way that feels maybe a little over assertive. As with the nose the flavors are nutty, and dry in a generally bready sort of a way. The flavors don't really come together well though, they somehow just don't mesh together in a way that's balanced or harmonious. There seems to be a slick, out of place sweetness in there as well, driving things a little more out of balance.
Barking Squirrel just tastes like a mainstream lager's attempt at an amber ale. The flavors are there, they just don't compliment or balance each other in a way that's enjoyable.
May 26, 2021
3.58/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jujugo from Canada (ON)
Light, creamy, caramel flavours accompanying a deep, bronze pour. Wafts of nuttiness with a slight bitterness and undertones of hops. Great after a heavy meal.
Mar 17, 2021
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jujugo from Canada (ON)
Light, creamy, caramel flavours accompanying a deep, bronze pour. Wafts of nuttiness with a slight bitterness and undertones of hops. Great after a heavy meal.
Mar 17, 2021
2.36/5 rDev -32%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
by Richard_Hung from Florida
You’re in a band. Not a great band, but you see potential in your drummer. You play mostly tribute gigs, Ozzy and Warrant, at a dive bar in Brampton. You drink Barking Squirrel.
Oct 29, 2020
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
by Richard_Hung from Florida
You’re in a band. Not a great band, but you see potential in your drummer. You play mostly tribute gigs, Ozzy and Warrant, at a dive bar in Brampton. You drink Barking Squirrel.
Oct 29, 2020
3.75 by Skellbop from New York on Aug 15, 2020
3.06/5 rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
Clear bronze appearance with an average size, short lived, off white head and a fair amount of lacing. Subtle, grainy, sweet malt aroma. Sweet caramel malt taste dominated until a modest amount of spicy hops popped up in the aftertaste. Medium bodied, decently carbonated mouthfeel
Jul 05, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
Clear bronze appearance with an average size, short lived, off white head and a fair amount of lacing. Subtle, grainy, sweet malt aroma. Sweet caramel malt taste dominated until a modest amount of spicy hops popped up in the aftertaste. Medium bodied, decently carbonated mouthfeel
Jul 05, 2020
3.9/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Tony787 from Canada (ON)
This beer was bought at lcbo and poured into glass with nice 2 finger head the small 1/2 finger head lasted as you are drinking which is nice
The color and look of this beer is amazing.
No date on can
Taste was good
Mar 17, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Tony787 from Canada (ON)
This beer was bought at lcbo and poured into glass with nice 2 finger head the small 1/2 finger head lasted as you are drinking which is nice
The color and look of this beer is amazing.
No date on can
Taste was good
Mar 17, 2020
3.75 by paulish from New York on Nov 11, 2019
4.28 by DannyBaldoni from Canada (QC) on Oct 13, 2019
1.89/5 rDev -45.5%
look: 4 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2
by Floridasbeerman
Looks great. Lacking on the palette. Too easy drinking to be notable.
Sep 08, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2
by Floridasbeerman
Looks great. Lacking on the palette. Too easy drinking to be notable.
Sep 08, 2019
3.13 by Hopfenpeter from Maryland on Aug 19, 2019
3.72 by patriotjack from California on Jul 16, 2019
4.21/5 rDev +21.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by AyatollahGold from Indiana
Pouring from a 16 oz. can into a Willi Becher glass, this beer pours out like a dark, liquid caramel with ruby highlights. It’s perfectly clear and forms a finger worth of eggshell white colored crown.
The nose brings toasted caramel sweetness with a prominence.
The taste comes in with more of that toasted caramel sweetness along with notes of grain. Slight hop presence, hints of fresh cut grass, but balanced and not overpowering.
The mouthfeel is smooth, crisp and clean with a dry finish. A little bitterness from the hops, that I think if they were toned back would make this cleaner.
Overall, this is what I want from the style. Clean and easy drinking.
Jun 22, 2019
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by AyatollahGold from Indiana
Pouring from a 16 oz. can into a Willi Becher glass, this beer pours out like a dark, liquid caramel with ruby highlights. It’s perfectly clear and forms a finger worth of eggshell white colored crown.
The nose brings toasted caramel sweetness with a prominence.
The taste comes in with more of that toasted caramel sweetness along with notes of grain. Slight hop presence, hints of fresh cut grass, but balanced and not overpowering.
The mouthfeel is smooth, crisp and clean with a dry finish. A little bitterness from the hops, that I think if they were toned back would make this cleaner.
Overall, this is what I want from the style. Clean and easy drinking.
Jun 22, 2019
3.1/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by Nass from Florida
One of the better amber lagers that I have been able to try, I do recommend this beer if you can't get a hold of it. Cheers! B-
Feb 02, 2019
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by Nass from Florida
One of the better amber lagers that I have been able to try, I do recommend this beer if you can't get a hold of it. Cheers! B-
Feb 02, 2019
3.12 by Sean_arthur from Canada (ON) on Feb 01, 2019
4.04/5 rDev +16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by therearesomewhocallmedan from Canada (ON)
Amber coloured, pleasant, sweet smell to it. Thick head that takes a while to dissipate. Excellent taste. This has become my go-to beer.
Oct 06, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by therearesomewhocallmedan from Canada (ON)
Amber coloured, pleasant, sweet smell to it. Thick head that takes a while to dissipate. Excellent taste. This has become my go-to beer.
Oct 06, 2018
3.8/5 rDev +9.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by ncdmz from North Carolina
Refreshing and tasty. Reminded me of a beefed up Sam Adams. I liked it.
Aug 07, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
by ncdmz from North Carolina
Refreshing and tasty. Reminded me of a beefed up Sam Adams. I liked it.
Aug 07, 2018
3.22 by jhodgert from Canada (QC) on Jul 30, 2018
3.75 by alwaysbetonduke from Canada (ON) on Jul 14, 2018
4.16/5 rDev +19.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Larryfunnell from Canada (ON)
Great colour and clarity, but the head when poured was only about 1/2" and dissipated quickly. The smell was good, a bit stronger than many beers, with a good taste.
Jun 22, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Larryfunnell from Canada (ON)
Great colour and clarity, but the head when poured was only about 1/2" and dissipated quickly. The smell was good, a bit stronger than many beers, with a good taste.
Jun 22, 2018
3.73 by nullbort from Canada (ON) on Jun 17, 2018
2.72 by chefhifrequency from Canada (MB) on May 06, 2018
4.27 by BillT916 from California on Mar 19, 2018
3.46/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by eberesford from Canada (ON)
Can from LCBO - pours sparkling clear dark amber with a thinnish but stable creamy off white head. Aroma: caramel. Taste: grainy, bready caramel hint off hops and some carbonic bite.
Mar 14, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by eberesford from Canada (ON)
Can from LCBO - pours sparkling clear dark amber with a thinnish but stable creamy off white head. Aroma: caramel. Taste: grainy, bready caramel hint off hops and some carbonic bite.
Mar 14, 2018
2.97/5 rDev -14.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
by Ry_Guy_75 from Canada (ON)
Hints of Caramel and not too hazy of a beer. Quite a Crushable lager with more taste then most . Pretty nice balance , not too bitter . Not my go too but could definitely party with this beer.
Feb 14, 2018
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3
by Ry_Guy_75 from Canada (ON)
Hints of Caramel and not too hazy of a beer. Quite a Crushable lager with more taste then most . Pretty nice balance , not too bitter . Not my go too but could definitely party with this beer.
Feb 14, 2018
3.62/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Beerbuds from Canada (ON)
Not a huge fan of amber lagers but easy drinking and nice balance.
Jan 28, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Beerbuds from Canada (ON)
Not a huge fan of amber lagers but easy drinking and nice balance.
Jan 28, 2018
4.27 by a_mcqueen89 from Canada (ON) on Jan 12, 2018
4.27 by Jshelley from Canada (ON) on Dec 11, 2017
3.75 by kjkinsey from Texas on Nov 25, 2017
3.02 by Killswitch1029 from Canada (NB) on Oct 18, 2017
3.42 by SlightlyGrey from Minnesota on Sep 27, 2017
3.47 by bixby1971 from Canada (ON) on Sep 01, 2017
3.72 by sineone from Canada (ON) on Aug 29, 2017
3.77/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by q33jeff from New Jersey
**
08/25/17
Picked up a few singles from The Beer Store in Niagara Ontario.
Can to hotel water glass.
LOOK: medium brown color Karma, healthy off-white head, creamy looking, good retention.
AROMA: grains, rye, touches of honey and wood.
TASTE: caramel malt, mineral. Rice.
FEEL: medium body, creamy feel, a touch flat, but Smooth drinking.
Pretty solid. Easy drinker.
**
Aug 26, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by q33jeff from New Jersey
**
08/25/17
Picked up a few singles from The Beer Store in Niagara Ontario.
Can to hotel water glass.
LOOK: medium brown color Karma, healthy off-white head, creamy looking, good retention.
AROMA: grains, rye, touches of honey and wood.
TASTE: caramel malt, mineral. Rice.
FEEL: medium body, creamy feel, a touch flat, but Smooth drinking.
Pretty solid. Easy drinker.
**
Aug 26, 2017
3.77/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Rasmonton from Canada (AB)
Nice amber coloured beer with a smooth mouth feel and finish. Creamy white head lasts a while with good lacing. Very pleasant taste, if slightly lacking in complexity. Would definitely get again.
Aug 19, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by Rasmonton from Canada (AB)
Nice amber coloured beer with a smooth mouth feel and finish. Creamy white head lasts a while with good lacing. Very pleasant taste, if slightly lacking in complexity. Would definitely get again.
Aug 19, 2017
3.59 by Juiposa from Canada (ON) on Aug 10, 2017
3.82/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by GoBearsWalter34 from Illinois
L- Pours a clear amber with plenty of carbonization and a one-finger, creamy off-white head.
S- Caramel malt and slight hop.
T- A touch of burnt caramelized malt. Quite balanced, pleasant and sessionable.
F- Medium body for type, slight kick on the way out.
O- Good Canadian beer.
Jul 03, 2017
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by GoBearsWalter34 from Illinois
L- Pours a clear amber with plenty of carbonization and a one-finger, creamy off-white head.
S- Caramel malt and slight hop.
T- A touch of burnt caramelized malt. Quite balanced, pleasant and sessionable.
F- Medium body for type, slight kick on the way out.
O- Good Canadian beer.
Jul 03, 2017
3.77/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by WoodBrew from Ohio
I bought a single can from the NBCO store located near my hotel in Oakville, ON. It poured a clear amber with white head that is leaving a spotty lace. The scent had hints of caramel malt. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink. Nice slight sweet malt taste The mouthfeel is lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall its a solid beer.
Jun 08, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by WoodBrew from Ohio
I bought a single can from the NBCO store located near my hotel in Oakville, ON. It poured a clear amber with white head that is leaving a spotty lace. The scent had hints of caramel malt. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink. Nice slight sweet malt taste The mouthfeel is lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall its a solid beer.
Jun 08, 2017
3.56 by kier from Canada (ON) on Jun 08, 2017
Barking Squirrel Lager from Hop City Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
79 out of
100 with
614 ratings