Hells Navigator
Fair Winds Brewing Company

 

From the can, it pours a clear amber color with a nice white head that slowly reduces and leaves some lacing. The nose is slightly malt with a touch of pine. The mouth gets the malt, with notes of caramel and some honey.

Clear light amber, white head, ok retention, wispy lace
Smells like honey on lightly toasted white bread
Tastes like honey, lightly toasted bread, some native grape
Medium bodied, appropriate carbonation
Hits the boxes for the style, but nothing great. Get the Ayinger.

Pours an amber color with a nice head and lacing
Aroma has roasted malt and floral hints
Taste follows the nose with pleasant roasted malt and floral flavors
A medium bodied well carbonated beer
A good Maibock

 

 

 

On tap at brewery:
Pours an amber dark gold, clear and with a nice white head cap. Lacing is okay, and a small amount sticks.

Nose and taste both seem to have a malty lean. Nose is moderate in strength and a tad floral initially, but there’s a meadow grass to go with the floral. Light copper/mineral note also.

First sips have this with a lightly toasted, slightly honey sweet malt opening. The backing bitterness is dry grass-like. In between there are allusions to apple and a slight yeasty note. Medium light beer, pin-prick carbonation, just a little bit of bitterness buildup.

The yeast or whatever it is that is bringing the fruity aspects seem to keep this from being as clean as I’d like it, also leaning it towards the sweet side. It’s not out of balance, though, almost like a bitter Vienna lager. Enjoyable enough for one or two.