B-Side Series: Keep the Change
Woodland Empire Ale Craft

i wanted to like this so much more than i do, i get stoked about new beers from these guys and was all over a four pack of this as soon as i saw it, but its super malty, bitter hoppy without much flavor or aromatics from the hops, and sort of heavier than i want it to be, i dont think its a great representation of the italian pils style, even if it objectively well made beer, somewhat of a bummer when i was looking for a ripper of a lager. a pale copper tone to it, still light, but not yellow, bubbly and frothy headed and all, still looks nice, just not like expected. it smells slightly nutty from the darker grain, a toasted vibe, without much sweetness thankfully but it does contribute a little more body than is necessary. the hops are a little grassy but not overly aromatic, and the lager yeast is european and right, they pretty much always get the fermentation right with their illustrious lager program. by any measure this is well made beer, but its off for the style for me, and i cant get past it. its dry enough, bubbly as can be, obviously well lagered, and hoppier than most german or czech types, but it misses because of the malt. id like this better in the fall as a hoppy almost vienna type...

16oz can from Woodland. Dark, clear golden, initial high fluffy head. Head settles leaving clumpy lacing. Full grainy, malty aroma, trace of lemon, grassy. Taste is mildly sweet, biscuity malts, minor bitterness. The hard water feel from Italian beers is right in there too . Wish I could be sipping this on a beach in Sardinia