Crispy Bois
Barbarian Brewing

juicy became the buzzword for ipa, like everyone called their ipa juicy to sell them, to the extent that beer idiots were like, "i only like juicy ipa" etc, and the same thing has now happened with crispy and lagers, its obnoxious, all of the english language to describe these styles and weve let it be reduced to two hype words, makes me sad for our species, and really, this is good, nice czech pils, but its not even all that crisp, like not enough to name it that, at least for me, but maybe exactitude isnt really their thing here, i mean most of the folks drinking this when i was in were having it dyed green for st pattys day, so know your audience i guess? listed at 5% abv on their menu, i think they have made this before, obviously, and with some variance. decent clarity and brightness, good head and lots of bubbles, pretty well refined and pretty, looks good green too, no doubt. quality malt is evident in this, nice lager yeast character too, balanced and simple really, but fresh and good, and european enough in the overall presentation to fit, not just neutral lager beer here, personality. the grain is lovely in the flavor too, fresh and pale with some baked warmth to it and a breadiness, some terroir even, which is the defining element of this, clean and dry on the swallow, light on the hops, a total pint beer and a well made one, but it also has enough grain that its not quite brisk and refreshing, even if i do want to have several, i am not critical of the beer, i am critical of the name and the naming convention, and i guess also of the consumer who continues to reward it, but barbarian doesnt get enough credit for their everyday beers, and this is another good one, happy to have it in rotation, excellent malt profile, good carbonation, tidy more than crispy, fuller flavored in a good way.

 

16 oz crowler from brewery. Very pale golden, instant foamy head disappears quickly. Grainy, malty aroma, light fruity notes. Taste is clean and simple, malts, touch of hops at the finish. Light, but full bodied.