Zwickle Lager
Swover Creek Farm Brewery

This beer is almost clear light yellow to straw (SRM 2-3). The pour produces a nice cascade while building a half-inch white head that is rocky and quickly fades to a fine veil. The lacing is dense on a handblown antique Pilsner glass.

The aroma is yeasty, akin to raw, sweet, sourdough bread. The light sourness plays against dry hay, while a hint of white wine and honey contrast against white pepper.

The sourness in the flavor is very much like sourdough bread, light yet distinct. Sweetness is in equal measure. The flavors are earthy and delicate. The finish is long, mild and yeasty. Mild bitterness creeps in with warmth. An undertone of dirty socks prevails.

The texture is similar to Jersey cotton and it has a medium body. Alcohol is completely absent. Modest, fine carbonation lifts the slightly drying mouthfeel.

This is a refreshingly crisp beer. It is exquisitely delicate. If this is what a Zwickelbier was, then our ancestors were truly blessed. I enjoyed it on a crisp, cool, sunny Autumn afternoon at the brewery and was blown away by how relaxing it was. Several days later, I had a crowler after work and was almost as highly impressed.