Work Work Work
Prison City Pub & Brewery

that gal at the brewery told us they had to change the name of this one and that its now called work play pils, but that its the same beer, so reviewing it here under this name rather than creating a new listing for an identical liquid. its very solid stuff, hoppy and slightly americanized to me, but nicely proportioned, clean, and very drinkable, but not so light it only works as a summer crusher either, sturdy enough for cold winter weather, enough grain flavor to seem complete. its not immaculately clear but its close, sports a high rising and airy white head, looks the part with bubbles flowing steadily upwards. the nose and taste are the same, grassy noble hops with a little of that bitter spiciness late, a slight honey sweetness to the grain while still being earthy and german to me, and the lager yeast is familiar and classic but not a lead voice in this chorus of flavor. its clean but its not snappy crisp, a tad full for that and with some of the grain lasting past the swallow on the palate, but i like it having some structure, and the mineral profile is excellent and complimentary as well. great carbonation, the heavy handed hopping is great, a hint of lime in the mix there, and overall a very technically well made example of the style here.

 

On tap at Tap and Mallet in Rochester, NY.

This one pours a just slightly hazed golden straw yellow color, with a small head, and lots of lacing.

This smells like lemony hops, golden malt character, breadiness, and hop spice.

This super solid stuff - that slightly fruity and lemony hop character, mixed with more classically floral and spicy pilsner hop character, is very nice. There's a soft breadiness to it, and it all melds together quite well.

This is light bodied, clean, and very crisp, with a wonderful drinkability.

It's hard to find many flaws with this one - Prison City is really good at making lagers.

Pours a hazy dark straw from the can, frothy 1" head that fades to a ring, good lacing. Nose is lemon and rich dough, light malt; little big of grassy hops, but not as forward as I was expected. Taste is solid - very lemon forward, almost tangy, along with bready, almost sourdough notes. Finish is more dough and a very slight bitterness. I'm not sure if "tangy" was direction this beer was meant to go in, but it is distinctive and refreshing. Mouthfeel is on the thing side, while the carbonation is small but biting. Look forward to trying more of their beer.