Akoya
Icicle Brewing Company

this is way way up there with the best beers ive had from icicle, just picked it up because i love a rice lager and its been awhile since i had anything from them, but its nerdy and unexpectedly unique, a hop i have never heard of called akoya in this, and not that the beer is hoppy per se, but that element makes this really interesting, super cool, and the rice is evident which isnt always the case in this, very well composed and drinkable beer, perfect for a little round of chipping golf balls with my brother in the yard, summery and easy, but not minimal or boring, a sweet spot i think. the nose is pretty subtle, lager yeast and somewhat of a european vibe on the grain side, pils malt, white florals to the hops, softy green fruitiness like not quite ripe pear or green gooseberry, but its not dominant, not bitter really at all here, and the balance is beautiful, trace eucalyptus, vanilla cream, and dandelion, whoa, but its all just nuance, nothing intense. the flavor is similar, the rice is lightly toasty and a cool foundation for what the hops bring, elderflower and jasmine, so cool with the rice, earthy too, lightly spicy and with a pop of bitterness on the swallow when its warmed up a little, lush and fresh and bright, full of minerality, then things like lychee and rambutan and green melon swirl in, fast finishing with an almost doughy lager yeast in play more and more. refreshing but not too fast, good carbonation makes it dance, and this hop has me really intrigued, would love to maybe see it in a more robustly hoppy beer, but i love how its worked into this, setting it apart without making it weird. late citrus, white grape, and peony. very very tasty, i will buy more of this one!

Handsome golden brew with an inviting aroma of cereal and a touch of honey. It's interesting the differences that brewers get with these Rice Lagers. In this case the hops are just a whisper, but add a pleasant fruity note. Not strong, and not bitter, but all nicely balanced with the delicate rice flavor and aroma. Clean and crisp with a light body and plenty of spritz on the tongue. Overall this is another excellent lighter style of Lager, but flavorful and satisfying to drink. From the 16 oz can purchased at Skagit Valley Coop. DAted 06/04/25.

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Clear golden pour, white foamy head. Sweet, grainy aroma. Taste is biscuity, grainy, light hops with a dry finish. Tasty and smooth.

Poured from 16oz can into a kitchen glass. Canned 7/4/24, reviewed 8/19/24.

Appearance: pale straw hue with a good effervescence and a thick head of frothy white foam. Nice!

Smell: nice malt aroma with a good level of sweetness and a light yeastiness. I dig it.

Taste: nicely malty with a lightness imparted from the rice. There’s just a little bit of sourness here, though, that I would have left out.

Mouthfeel: medium body with a good carbonation and creaminess, particularly for the style.

Overall: a refreshing and tasty lager on a warm summer day. Quite drinkable.