Screamin' Cowboy in the Sky
Ethereal Brewing

More than just coo-coo clocks and ski resorts, Austria is also known for a pretty neat little beer. Although the Vienna lager style has been largely kidnapped by the Mexicans, its tried and true taste is a specific type of lager that more toasty and savory than pilsner but not as rich or bold as festbier, and Ethereal is now taking the style to Kentucky.

Golden in color, the bright beer shows a tawny bronze highlight toward the center. Crowned by a foamy lather, the beer's aromas are toasty, grainy and floral with a late addition of noble German hops for a kiss of honeysuckle. Flavors are medium sweet with cashew, medium toast, honey and cereal along with a slight hop fruitiness.

Sweetness relaxes on the middle palate and the hops turn from floral to spice. Toasty, grainy and nutty flavors remain on the tongue as the lager dries while the spice of hops carry a grassy, peppery and nearly lemony zest. Lingering sweetness has a watery cola effect on the late palate while the hops turn to a minty and peppery finish.

Medium light on the palate, the beer is fuller in texture for lager beer but is ultimately drinkable, refreshing and crisp in finish to appease the pilsner fans in any group but characterful enough not to deter the craft drinker in all of us.