Bitburger X Aslan
Aslan Brewing Company

this is cool, seems like a pretty great get for aslan, lots of exposure with this one i am sure, i think i wanted to love the beer a little more than i did, but its not bad, has some uniqueness to it, a nice hop profile that doesnt push it way out of style norms, and i think its neat for both operations. the beer is maltier and less refined looking than expected, a deeper color to it and off from clear, but a good inch of pure white head all frothy and with nice lacing. the nose is a touch less fresh than i expected too, but i like the fuller malt layers, some biscuit and graham cracker while still remaining dry, some spiciness to the hops, gentle orange and lemon and grass clippings, rocky minerality, and more heartiness than a lot of these have overall. the hops start somewhat early in the flavor and there is a tad more bitterness than expected, running most of the way in the flavor, some noble character but also maybe more new world too at times, i swear i get a hint of coconut or something, white and green teas, and dandelion greens, along with more assertive hop bite late, higher alpha c type there, but its never really vegetal or anything. the extra grain heft supports all the hops, the lager yeast is old worldy and seems bitburger-esque from a distance. good carbonation, soft texture, almost clean on the finish. this is good, fun collaboration, but its not memorable or special to me, like i expected the overall quality or something to set me off, but it doesnt in this instance, and although i like the recipe, it didnt change my life. ill try it from the can too i hope...

16oz can from Brewers Haven. Golden pour, light cloudiness, thick fluffy white head. Bready, biscuity aroma. Taste shines with crisp, sweet grainy flavors. Hops really pop at the back, bitterness that tails off to a dry finish. Wunderbar!