Vienna Lager
Occidental Brewing Co.

these guys just dont miss. im not even wild about this style generally speaking, but they hit here in a cool way, lighter in color than most, more golden brassy than amber, and with a nice head from the tap, crystal clear, looks good. it smells less cooked too, less concentrated and objectively malty, it smells fresh, still european, lager yeast forward, not real sweet but with a hint of honey and toast, definitely lighter than is common. the flavor doesnt hurt for malt depth despite the color, its nutty and old worldy, i can taste the water profile, it has a slightly hoppy finish in an old school way, and the yeast reminds me of rising pizza dough, simple and raw, very tasty fermentation profile on this. the body is bigger than it looks like it would be for a beer so pale, its easily medium and even with all the bubbles has some defined substance to it on my palate. this is hearty beer, refreshing though too still, and very carefully refined, dialed in, and i dont miss heavier biscuit and caramelized grain character, its got enough going on. i like this type of vienna lager best, and think they nailed it. these guys are making some darn good beer, always classic and inspired, but always their own. brilliant.

L: Pale copper, clear as crystal, with a pale white head.
S: Biscuits with a faint hint of caramel.
T: Fresher baked bread with the smallest hint of honey.
F: Creamy and rich.
O: A fine example of the style, one of my favorites, in fact. A balanced and delightful brew.