Idaho Standoff
Bear Island Brewing Company

mexican dark lager here, a nice beer, i dont think these get enough credit for their lagers, or for their beers in general even. this is the darker and deeper and fuller side of the style, looks like a frothy headed brown ale in my glass, great shine and liveliness, just a little light coming in at the edges, pretty beer. the nose and taste are the same, some caramelized grain sweetness up front to both senses, but more resolved later on, as european to me as it is mexican, and the grain and yeast elements are so intertwined its hard to kind of pick them apart, bready but not chewy, hints of molasses and maple but it finishes drier than that, soft lime notes to the yeast, even a hint of spicy noble hops here. not the most robust yeast flavor, but it works in this style, and i like this being grain driven, especially with the obvious freshness. quite a bit of body here, not as light and refreshing as the best of them, but i like it in an early autumn context, and could still drink a bunch of them, lots of bubbles keeping it feeling bright. this was awesome with spicy smoked chicken wings, and seems to be fairly versatile as a food beer. great quality here from bear island, a more robust take on the style, not overly mexican, but it hits. nice addition to their lineup!

Draft at Taphouse. Dark amber/brown, clear, medium fluffy beige head. Aroma is nutty and light roast. Taste is nutty, light roast,mild sweetness with a thin bitter finish.