Neutral Good
Standard Brewing

really unique rice lager here, they had some cool lagers working while we were in. this one is a little stronger than they usually are, and quite a bit hoppier, to me this is a hybrid between a modern american lager and the more traditional rice lager, fun elements from both, unique overall, although perhaps not as crisp and drinkable as i generally expect the style to be. the quality is certainly there. nice golden color and pretty clear, short lived white head from the tap, some slowly rising carbonation, not crazy active or anything, shiny, brassy. i smell the noble-esque loral hops, maybe some new zealand fruitiness from motueka, but its loral first by a ways to my senses, lightly spicy, bitter, but in good proportion. i always look for rice lager to be delicate, and with the hops and late bitterness, strength, and extra body, this one really isnt. in fact, its a little tough to appreciate the rice component at all, maybe softly floral in the flavor, earthy at the last second before the swallow, but wearing a different hat than it usually does in these. the hops start kind of early, the finish is dry, the yeast doesnt seem to have much flavor, at least not anything unique, but somehow this remains intriguing the whole way through. simple but layered, white wine notes and cut flowers as it warms, bigger texture. this didnt wow me, but is challenged me a little in a style that almost never does...