Keep Their Heads Ringing
Mirror Twin Brewing

Employing the sweet Hostess snack of Ding Dongs into their Mexican styled lager, you can tell that the dog days of summer are getting to the brewers at Mirror Twin.

The heat is clearly getting to them as Keep Their Heads Ringing comes with a nonchalant light amber appearance with bronze lowlights. Grainy and sweet to the scent, a hint of chocolate and cream dances gently on the floral hops and the toasty, bready, crusty malts. Sweet to taste, its the beer's malts that shine best as its toasted grains bring a sweetness of bread crust, honey and faint caramel.

A pep of toast stems from the grains while the lager splashes the middle palate with peanut skins, faint coffee and cocoa. Chocolate and cream flavors from the Ding Dongs (he, he.) are subtle and careful not to overwhelm nor compete with the amber lager underneath. Sweeter than usual, the beer extends onto the late palate with a broad and spicy bitterness that's soft and complementary to the beer and cakes, never attempting to rival their influence.

Medium bodied but seeming fuller because of the added flavor and weight, the lager might have an elevated taste but doesn't sacrifice drinkability or refreshment. With a slight grainy-sweet finish and mild waxy coat, I hope this beer is still available in the fall.