Sketches of Simplicity
Rowley Farmhouse Ales

 

i thought it was all wild and farmhouse beers in here, but was delighted to discover this one when we visited their humble little taproom! maybe not a true czech style, as they incorporate some wheat into it, but i like what it adds here, a little earthy character that grounds the pilsener malt and adds a little body. its bright clear beer, nice and golden and shiny and bubbly under a short white head that doesnt last very long, but it might be more a product of heat on their patio than an issue with the beer. i like how malt forward this one is, not that the noble hops and lager yeast dont contribute a lot, because they do, this has great balance, but the grain really drives it, so fresh and a little bigger feeling than most of the imports. the hops have a dried grassy straw bitterness to them, helps the beer finish, and a very mild fresh citrus note, simple and elegant. nice carbonation, a curious but enjoyable white wine aspect to it, not fruity so much as crisp and bitey and drying. a nice take on the style here, different enough to be memorable without deviating too far from style norms. well done, highly crushable too!