Past Life
Wandering Soul Beer

 

 

 

 

 

Canned 11.4.19, opened 8.1.20

Poured into a Pilsener glass, three finger off white creamy foam cap, good retention, good lacings,Settles to a pencil thick layer over a clear copper liquid

Aroma is malty

Taste is malty , bready

Low sudsing, quaffable

Good beer , repeatable

Canned 11/04/19, feels a little soft in the can

Pours a nice med sized foamy head with medium retention, crystal clear amber honey reddish color

Nose brings nice toasty grainy malt, touch of sweet caramelized note but not much caramel, more toasty Vienna like, just a hint of floral hops

Taste mild sweet malt, again big toasty Vienna malt with faint caramelization, little bread crust toasted grain soft lager, touch of fruity notes, med-light herbal floral hop flavor work med bitterness, lighter up front then bit more bitterness on the drier finish, hops get a tad spicy, clean crisp lager finish

Mouth is lighter bod, soft lager, medium to a bit lower carb

Overall solid Vienna lager, not the terrible Mexican macro lager adaptation, this is clean crisp base Vienna lager, no bells and whistles, just good clean Vienna lager

 

One of the better Vienna style lagers I’ve tasted by an American brewer.
Attractive copper-amber color in a Pilsner, but less than a 1/2 finger head.
Rich taste with chocolate and toffee notes.
Excellent well- balanced bitterness.
I greatly enjoyed this beer. Worth checking out.
Not too many high end lager brewers in the US. Wandering Soul could be added to that list.

With "Past Life" Wandering Soul seems to be really hitting their stride, proving they cannot be limited to trends and continuing the conversation with another contemplative message. The artwork keeps getting more and more interesting, with a stunning piece by Mary C. Sullivan this time, according to the label. The Vienna-style lager seems suitable for considering one's "Past Life," don't you think? This is a classic style that brings me back to halcyon days of my youth, when I visited Germany for the first time. I've always held German beer in very high regard, and its a very rare occasion that I find an American brewer who can capture the magic and class of a well-done Vienna Lager. Eliott Ness comes to mind, however that is really about it. There's lots of room for other top shelf entries in the market, and here's to hoping that more of these will keep popping up.

Now, let's get into it - The appearance on this beauty is simply perfect, a deep amber or copper hue that is crystal clear. A fizzy ring leaves an appropriate amount of lacing on the glass as it goes down. I am getting a nice bready, grainy, and caramelly aroma with a touch of hay as I breathe it in. The flavor is quite true to style, with an abundance of toasted malts, a little nuttiness, dark caramel, toffee, and a pleasant touch of noble hops. The mouthfeel is just right as well with a fairly chewy aspect, and the finish has that special something that leaves one wanting more and more. Overall this is accurate, balanced and clean - everything you want from a quality craft brew! I hope this one continues to get released again and again.