Phranco Lager
Burwood Brewing Company

 

this was my favorite of the three beers i had from these guys while i was in town, a very unique and quite rustic lager, a regionally specific type i am not sure if i have encountered before. its light amber in color, deeply earthy and toasted but also very dry, its a little hazy, a keller type, and it has a high two inches of airy off white foam, gorgeous and autumnal looking. it smells yeast forward, doughy and bready at the same time, both raw and cooked to me, but also a little tart, ever so slightly astringent. not sure if it employs some acidulated malt or if its a product of the ferment, but its neat, dries the finish out even more, hints at tart cherry for a second with the dried fruitiness in the grain, and is minimal enough to not be distracting, it certainly seems intentional. notes of raisin and cognac, fallen leaves, almond, and coffee cake. its decidedly european, even decidedly german, but its really different from others, and not just because of the color. high carbonation, light twang, more layers of flavor unfolding as it warms, but also kind of refreshing at the same time. fun recipe, one of the more interesting lagers i have had in some time. this is such a cool spot too, highly recommended!