Springfest
Saint Mars of the Desert

neat pale lager here, my first from these guys who used to be pretty things if i have it right, was excited to try their beers and unfortunately this is the only one we could track down. its simple stuff, bold and hoppy and sort of american for being so obviously euopean as well, i like the balance and the robustness of flavor in a style that often lacks it. smart recipe and the same kind of attention to detail that made their old brewery a success. this has a pale amber color to it, an airy couple inches of white head from the can, and a little chill haze it looks like. the nose is nutty and kilned to me, a little one dimensional on the grain side and earthy and malty without being rich. the hops are a little spicy, noble but also with a more herbal layer, bitter too, fresh for the style, heavy handed. the yeast is clean in this, i can appreciate it as lager yeast, but its not a major contributor to the nose or taste. the malt and hops go really well together, this stays dry throughout, finishes very hoppy, and has hints of toasted cereal, floral honey, biscuit, and green tea. flavorful and fresh, well balanced and well made, gorgeous carbonation from the can, medium body, not sure it seems all that springy to me, although i guess the hops take me there, this is more of a versatile four season lager for me, solid if not really memorable for any particular reason. need to score more from them next time over there...