Side Eye
West Sixth Brewing Company

 

Pushing the lager to near imperial strength, West Sixth's sweet serenade to spring ain't no flimsy beer. Its a rich and malty maibock that puts the attention squarely on malt flavor but without hindering the ease of drinking found normally in lesser strength pilsner-type beer.

Side Eye comes with a light and loose ivory froth, layered gently across a rich golden, near bright body. Honey, light toast and a herbal medley of wildflower, mint and peppercorn adorn the nose while its first sip brings a juicy, elegant and honey sweetened taste to the palate with a hint of candied cashew.

Its rich structure holds firm across the middle palate, resisting much of a temptation to fade to dryness. Plump with a light nutty and toasty array, the savory flavor of barley commands the stage and patiently awaits enough of a noble hop charm to take an edge off of the sweetness come finish.

Modestly bitter, the hops apply a peppery, grassy and herbal flavor on the after palate while hardly bringing any undue attention to its balancing efforts. Medium bodied throughout, a vodka-type spice adds a pep to the finish and warms the taste of honey liquor in a medium length afterglow.