House Lager
Jack's Abby Brewing


Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Jack's Abby Brewing
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- Lager - Helles
Ranked #46 - ABV:
- 5.2%
- Score:
- 88
Ranked #15,767 - Avg:
- 3.91 | pDev: 9.46%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Today at 02:16 AM
- Added:
- Jan 05, 2015
- Wants:
- 14
- Gots:
- 122
SCORE
88
Very Good
88
Very Good


Notes:
House Lager pulls inspiration from the numerous country lagers, or landbiers, found in Franconia. It’s sweet and golden with a full malty body that comes from using a traditional German malt variety. A special beer for year-round enjoyment.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.99/5 rDev +2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
16oz can. No dating information found.
Clear, pale gold colored body. Two fingers of white bubbly head. Leaves behind spots and short strings of lacing.
Aroma of sweet malt and grassy hops.
Taste is malt heavy, which is sweet and expresses a lot of grain. Floral hops. Aftertaste brings along a fading taste profile.
Very crisp. Medium mouth feel. Very good carbonation.
Very refreshing and easy to drink. Well made.
Today at 02:16 AM
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
16oz can. No dating information found.
Clear, pale gold colored body. Two fingers of white bubbly head. Leaves behind spots and short strings of lacing.
Aroma of sweet malt and grassy hops.
Taste is malt heavy, which is sweet and expresses a lot of grain. Floral hops. Aftertaste brings along a fading taste profile.
Very crisp. Medium mouth feel. Very good carbonation.
Very refreshing and easy to drink. Well made.
Today at 02:16 AM
4.25/5 rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by nickb2000
Pint Glass
Look: Golden Yellow, with a light haze. Pulls a one finger head which dissipates into a thin layer.
Smell: Very Malt forward. Cereal grains, bread, some toasted malt also.
Taste: Light and crisp. Initial citrusy notes develop into a small amount of hop bitterness which fades away leaving a taste of malt, bread and citrus.
Feel: Crisp and light. Moderate carbonation. Very light hit of alcohol on the swallow.
Overall:
Jun 22, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by nickb2000
Pint Glass
Look: Golden Yellow, with a light haze. Pulls a one finger head which dissipates into a thin layer.
Smell: Very Malt forward. Cereal grains, bread, some toasted malt also.
Taste: Light and crisp. Initial citrusy notes develop into a small amount of hop bitterness which fades away leaving a taste of malt, bread and citrus.
Feel: Crisp and light. Moderate carbonation. Very light hit of alcohol on the swallow.
Overall:
Jun 22, 2022
4.1 by Taenim from New Jersey on May 18, 2022
3.8 by FrancisM12 from New Jersey on May 01, 2022
3.77/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jgido759 from New Jersey
Pours an almost clear, yellow/gold color with a thin, white head that disappears quickly. Slight grainy wheat aroma on the nose. Taste is similar to the nose, with a malty sweetness to it and little carbonation. Overall, a good tasting beer.
Apr 19, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by jgido759 from New Jersey
Pours an almost clear, yellow/gold color with a thin, white head that disappears quickly. Slight grainy wheat aroma on the nose. Taste is similar to the nose, with a malty sweetness to it and little carbonation. Overall, a good tasting beer.
Apr 19, 2022
4.21/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BWSr from Massachusetts
Pours a beautiful golden color. Not completely clear. A little haze. Small head.
Smells of lemon grass and grains.
Light crisp delicious. One was not enough so had two. Crushable. Just a nice beer to go with just about anything.
Apr 15, 2022
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by BWSr from Massachusetts
Pours a beautiful golden color. Not completely clear. A little haze. Small head.
Smells of lemon grass and grains.
Light crisp delicious. One was not enough so had two. Crushable. Just a nice beer to go with just about anything.
Apr 15, 2022
4.19/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Chickenhawk9932 from Pennsylvania
Pours a pale golden yellow with an off white head.
Smells of fresh lemon grass and fruited grain with whole grain malted bread.
Taste is a crisp clear refreshing lager notes following nose.
Apr 05, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Chickenhawk9932 from Pennsylvania
Pours a pale golden yellow with an off white head.
Smells of fresh lemon grass and fruited grain with whole grain malted bread.
Taste is a crisp clear refreshing lager notes following nose.
Apr 05, 2022
3.73/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by mvogt from Massachusetts
Pleasantly smooth and crushable.
Apr 03, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by mvogt from Massachusetts
Pleasantly smooth and crushable.
Apr 03, 2022
4 by ricknelson from Vermont on Mar 09, 2022
4 by TMoney2591 from Illinois on Feb 24, 2022
3.85 by dd53grif from Michigan on Nov 29, 2021
4.35 by jcoleMA66 from Massachusetts on Nov 28, 2021
3.5 by TWStandley from Massachusetts on Nov 12, 2021
4.5 by DillonWheaton on Nov 02, 2021
4.47/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by HardWied
I drank this out of a can so didn't really get a look at it. Just being honest.
Smells so damn good, I get apples like a nice marzen but its subtle. Taste is smooth and the malt is definitely upfront. Tastes nutty with caramel and just the right amount of sweetness. Mouthfeel is sublime with just the right amount of carbonation but also some texture and smoothness. My main criticism of this brew is that there were only three in the sample pack that I bought (crying face emoji)
Oct 16, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by HardWied
I drank this out of a can so didn't really get a look at it. Just being honest.
Smells so damn good, I get apples like a nice marzen but its subtle. Taste is smooth and the malt is definitely upfront. Tastes nutty with caramel and just the right amount of sweetness. Mouthfeel is sublime with just the right amount of carbonation but also some texture and smoothness. My main criticism of this brew is that there were only three in the sample pack that I bought (crying face emoji)
Oct 16, 2021
4.8/5 rDev +22.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
by dectacular
My favorite beer. I always keep my fridge stocked. A beautiful gold color; tastes very malty, which I like, with a light hint of sweetness, sour, and bitter. The best beer for light beer drinkers to start getting some new flavors.
Oct 14, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
by dectacular
My favorite beer. I always keep my fridge stocked. A beautiful gold color; tastes very malty, which I like, with a light hint of sweetness, sour, and bitter. The best beer for light beer drinkers to start getting some new flavors.
Oct 14, 2021
4.54 by StoutElk_92 from Massachusetts on Oct 12, 2021
3.44/5 rDev -12%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by gbiello from Massachusetts
Slightly hazy, which I would not expect in the style. The nose and taste remind me much more of a kolsch than a lager. You do get some solid maltiness on the taste, it's not a bad tasting beer but definitely not true to the style.
Oct 10, 2021
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by gbiello from Massachusetts
Slightly hazy, which I would not expect in the style. The nose and taste remind me much more of a kolsch than a lager. You do get some solid maltiness on the taste, it's not a bad tasting beer but definitely not true to the style.
Oct 10, 2021
4.24 by Dovi from Australia on Sep 23, 2021
4.16 by infuturity from Massachusetts on Sep 12, 2021
3.61 by stephenlee93 from England on Aug 20, 2021
3.88/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by ATL6245 from Georgia
Appearance: Slightly hazy, gold with fluffy white head. Moderate retention.
Aroma: Malt forward. Cracker, bready. Slight floral hop note.
Flavor: Bready and spicy. Very restrained bitterness.
Mouth-feel: Medium body. Low carbonation. A little drying.
Overall: Very solid Helles style. Not too thin. Drinkable. Spicy notes (which I like). This was a pint can that had some age on it, so I imagine it is even better fresh. Nothing fancy, not supposed to be. Just drinkable and refreshing. Well crafted.
Aug 12, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by ATL6245 from Georgia
Appearance: Slightly hazy, gold with fluffy white head. Moderate retention.
Aroma: Malt forward. Cracker, bready. Slight floral hop note.
Flavor: Bready and spicy. Very restrained bitterness.
Mouth-feel: Medium body. Low carbonation. A little drying.
Overall: Very solid Helles style. Not too thin. Drinkable. Spicy notes (which I like). This was a pint can that had some age on it, so I imagine it is even better fresh. Nothing fancy, not supposed to be. Just drinkable and refreshing. Well crafted.
Aug 12, 2021
3.97 by Mustela_Man from California on Aug 10, 2021
4.27/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by DIM from Pennsylvania
Light sweetness, honey and bread, plus a floral tingle. Perfectly balanced with no off flavors. Great beer, refreshing and very easy to drink. Recommended for sure.
Aug 07, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by DIM from Pennsylvania
Light sweetness, honey and bread, plus a floral tingle. Perfectly balanced with no off flavors. Great beer, refreshing and very easy to drink. Recommended for sure.
Aug 07, 2021
4.03/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by TigerSoul from New Jersey
Now that IPA's, sour beers and all the other myriad varieties are waning in interest, lagers, pilsners and plain old pale ales are making a deserved comeback. And some of the lagers coming out from Jack's Abby are extraordinary. This one, the "House" is refreshing and breezy, as any Helles should be, but has a lot of body and, well, "backbone" as well. Truth told, it tastes better straight from the can than it does being poured into a vessel. Easily falls in on the list with some of the top lagers available.
Aug 01, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by TigerSoul from New Jersey
Now that IPA's, sour beers and all the other myriad varieties are waning in interest, lagers, pilsners and plain old pale ales are making a deserved comeback. And some of the lagers coming out from Jack's Abby are extraordinary. This one, the "House" is refreshing and breezy, as any Helles should be, but has a lot of body and, well, "backbone" as well. Truth told, it tastes better straight from the can than it does being poured into a vessel. Easily falls in on the list with some of the top lagers available.
Aug 01, 2021
3.89/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by jjamadorphd from Florida
After a blistering hot day in the FL sun, this sure did hit the spot...
My continued affection for lagers continue, and this one just feeds the love. It's appearance in the pint glass was out of the ordinary with its dark amber color, and light and quickly dissipating foam. The rest of the brew was very enjoyable and it was long lasting in the 16oz can.
Jul 31, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by jjamadorphd from Florida
After a blistering hot day in the FL sun, this sure did hit the spot...
My continued affection for lagers continue, and this one just feeds the love. It's appearance in the pint glass was out of the ordinary with its dark amber color, and light and quickly dissipating foam. The rest of the brew was very enjoyable and it was long lasting in the 16oz can.
Jul 31, 2021
4.25/5 rDev +8.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by KT3418 from Colorado
This is excellent, sweet on the finish but crisp just before. Idk this is just a great tasting beer beer. I hope to see more of their stuff out here. Definitely appreciate how much the focus on lagers.
Jul 29, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by KT3418 from Colorado
This is excellent, sweet on the finish but crisp just before. Idk this is just a great tasting beer beer. I hope to see more of their stuff out here. Definitely appreciate how much the focus on lagers.
Jul 29, 2021
3.84 by jdlive from Massachusetts on Jul 28, 2021
3.76/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Beginner2 from Illinois
Bought two cans from Beer Drop, who is reaching as far east as New England now. A pleasant lager that paired well enough with Indian leftovers.
House Lager Looks better than its peers; active, golden, foamy, integrated. Smells are mostly cereal. Tastes are balanced, clean and refreshing. Cleansing and calming in my mouth so that I can take another bite of spicy food.
Jack's Abby is unique in that I can remember only a few other brewers that specialize so intently on lagers. A decade old, Jack's seems to push all the good guy, community buttons. They also take seriously their menu, thoughtful food. Maybe I will come across them again.
Jul 27, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by Beginner2 from Illinois
Bought two cans from Beer Drop, who is reaching as far east as New England now. A pleasant lager that paired well enough with Indian leftovers.
House Lager Looks better than its peers; active, golden, foamy, integrated. Smells are mostly cereal. Tastes are balanced, clean and refreshing. Cleansing and calming in my mouth so that I can take another bite of spicy food.
Jack's Abby is unique in that I can remember only a few other brewers that specialize so intently on lagers. A decade old, Jack's seems to push all the good guy, community buttons. They also take seriously their menu, thoughtful food. Maybe I will come across them again.
Jul 27, 2021
3.73 by socon67 from New York on Jul 26, 2021
3.89/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by mushroomcloud from Texas
16oz canned 3-1-21. Opened 6-20-21.
2 finger sudsy white head, good retention. Wispy lacing.
Straw golden with less than full clarity.
Light sulfur, sweet grain, apple, earthy clay, and spicy hops.
Bready, light spice and dried grass.
Body is light + and carbonation is medium. Some sweetness in the finish.
Very Good.
Jun 20, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by mushroomcloud from Texas
16oz canned 3-1-21. Opened 6-20-21.
2 finger sudsy white head, good retention. Wispy lacing.
Straw golden with less than full clarity.
Light sulfur, sweet grain, apple, earthy clay, and spicy hops.
Bready, light spice and dried grass.
Body is light + and carbonation is medium. Some sweetness in the finish.
Very Good.
Jun 20, 2021
3.94 by edthehead from New York on May 30, 2021
4.24/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Treyliff from West Virginia
12oz can poured into a pint
A- pours a clear yellow-straw color with a golden hue, one-finger foamy white head reduces to a film on top
S- toasted barley gives aromas of cracker malt and cereal grains. Light undertones of noble hops along with honey and dried hay
T- slightly sweet with a note up honey up front, followed by malty notes of crackers, bread crust and cereal malt. Mid-palate brings out some spicy and floral hop undertones. The finish gives dried hay and toasted malt
M- medium-light body with moderate carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that continues into a crisp, semi-dry finish
O- such an underrated style and this is one of the best American made examples I've had
May 19, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Treyliff from West Virginia
12oz can poured into a pint
A- pours a clear yellow-straw color with a golden hue, one-finger foamy white head reduces to a film on top
S- toasted barley gives aromas of cracker malt and cereal grains. Light undertones of noble hops along with honey and dried hay
T- slightly sweet with a note up honey up front, followed by malty notes of crackers, bread crust and cereal malt. Mid-palate brings out some spicy and floral hop undertones. The finish gives dried hay and toasted malt
M- medium-light body with moderate carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that continues into a crisp, semi-dry finish
O- such an underrated style and this is one of the best American made examples I've had
May 19, 2021
3.79 by Mikexw from New York on May 01, 2021
3.29 by lakewy17 from New Hampshire on Apr 27, 2021
4.21 by o29 from Texas on Apr 10, 2021
3.97 by bschmidt_37 from Illinois on Apr 10, 2021
4.36/5 rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by AElfwine_Nerevar from Connecticut
Canned: 02/05/21
L: House Lager is an attractive pale gold with excellent clarity. A vigorous pour results in two fingers of fine, white head. Good retention as the beer falls to a 1 mm ring around the glass with a thin film in the middle sustained by the many streamers of carbonation rising from the bottom of the glass. The head leaves a light splotchy lacing as the beer leaves the glass.
S: The nose is malt dominated. I get cereal grains and cracked wheat. I also some of the noble hops in the form of a good bit of fresh cut hay and very light notes of citrus and spice.
T: The palate is perfectly balanced between the malt and hop bills. On the front end I get pure malty goodness: grainy notes and cracked wheat. Mid palate I get noble hop spice and grassiness in the form of fresh cut alfalfa. On the back end I get malty sweetness that is quickly overpowered by light notes of bitter citrus mixed with whole wheat bread crust.
F: This beer has a light body with medium-high to high carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp with a softer drying finish. It may be a bit watery for the style but it does not detract from my enjoyment.
O: This is a grand slam of a beer! If you are a lager fan, and even if you aren't, you need to try this beer. It is delicate, balanced, eminently drinkable, and sessionable in constrast to the current wasteland of hazy IPAs. Also, the price point is unbeatable. Sick of paying $18-24 a 4 pack of haze that may or may not be worth it? Well look no further. Here you have a beer priced at $8 a 4 pack of 16 fl.oz. cans that will stand the test of time. Highly recommended!
Mar 12, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by AElfwine_Nerevar from Connecticut
Canned: 02/05/21
L: House Lager is an attractive pale gold with excellent clarity. A vigorous pour results in two fingers of fine, white head. Good retention as the beer falls to a 1 mm ring around the glass with a thin film in the middle sustained by the many streamers of carbonation rising from the bottom of the glass. The head leaves a light splotchy lacing as the beer leaves the glass.
S: The nose is malt dominated. I get cereal grains and cracked wheat. I also some of the noble hops in the form of a good bit of fresh cut hay and very light notes of citrus and spice.
T: The palate is perfectly balanced between the malt and hop bills. On the front end I get pure malty goodness: grainy notes and cracked wheat. Mid palate I get noble hop spice and grassiness in the form of fresh cut alfalfa. On the back end I get malty sweetness that is quickly overpowered by light notes of bitter citrus mixed with whole wheat bread crust.
F: This beer has a light body with medium-high to high carbonation. The mouthfeel is crisp with a softer drying finish. It may be a bit watery for the style but it does not detract from my enjoyment.
O: This is a grand slam of a beer! If you are a lager fan, and even if you aren't, you need to try this beer. It is delicate, balanced, eminently drinkable, and sessionable in constrast to the current wasteland of hazy IPAs. Also, the price point is unbeatable. Sick of paying $18-24 a 4 pack of haze that may or may not be worth it? Well look no further. Here you have a beer priced at $8 a 4 pack of 16 fl.oz. cans that will stand the test of time. Highly recommended!
Mar 12, 2021
4.08 by Rubezahl from Pennsylvania on Mar 10, 2021
4.03/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by sethmeister from New Hampshire
Poured into my pint glass this lager is a clear gold with a bright white short creamy head. Head falls quickly leaving small amounts of soapy lace.
Scent is yeasty and doughy fresh bread, light fruit and a hint of leafy green hops.
Taste is fresh sweet doughy bread and light bread crust. Apple, pear. Lemon. Hint of honey. Clean dry finish. There's a touch of bitterness but only enough to balance the sweetness of the malt.
Mouth is lightly creamy with a crisp carbonation and a dry finish.
Easy drinking. well made and quite satisfying Helles lager. Hard to drink only one of these.
Feb 20, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by sethmeister from New Hampshire
Poured into my pint glass this lager is a clear gold with a bright white short creamy head. Head falls quickly leaving small amounts of soapy lace.
Scent is yeasty and doughy fresh bread, light fruit and a hint of leafy green hops.
Taste is fresh sweet doughy bread and light bread crust. Apple, pear. Lemon. Hint of honey. Clean dry finish. There's a touch of bitterness but only enough to balance the sweetness of the malt.
Mouth is lightly creamy with a crisp carbonation and a dry finish.
Easy drinking. well made and quite satisfying Helles lager. Hard to drink only one of these.
Feb 20, 2021
House Lager from Jack's Abby Brewing
Beer rating:
88 out of
100 with
555 ratings