Three
Alma Mader Brewing

Pours a copper-tinted gold with a chill haze. A 1" white head forms, then collapses after a few minutes. Well-carbonated, and a high level of lacing is evident between drinks.

The smell is very close to the platonic ideal of a lager - *just* enough floral and herbal elements from the hops to balance (but not overpower) the malt backbone of this beer. The taste has (unsurprisingly) faded just a touch to become a bit more bitter overall than when I had it fresh, but it still starts very crisp and only after a second do the grassy and herbal components of the hops comes through. Finishes very crisp, with a mix of faint pine resin or tangy citrus depending on what portion of your mouth has your active attention.

Did I sit on this can for a bit too long? Yes. Is it still delicious and absolutely perfect for the first 90-degree day of the year? Also yes.

Can purchased from the brewery 4/7/2022.

Pours a dark golden color with a clear transparency. Head is two fingers of fluffy white foam after a slow pour from can to glass. Aroma is big wafers, crackers, and biscuity malts with faint floral and fruity hops behind. Of the two hop notes, floral is the bigger. In total, aroma cleans into heavy dryness, keeping from lingering long after a whiff. Flavor profile is floral, herbal, and faint medicinal hops with hearty crackers, wafers, and doughy malts just behind. Initial hit is hops, but they fade away quickly, revealing a dry malt exoskeleton. Balance is wonderful, offering up just enough of a punch of flavor to maintain dynamics, while the rest of the profile brings it back to steady, thoughtful balance. Finish is dry. Mouth feel is medium-thin with a crisp texture. The texture nicely compliments the wafer malts, carrying forward the idea that each sip is like taking a bite out of a crispy wafer. Overall, resolute in its simplicity, and yet delightfully full of nuance. It's incredibly refreshing, which means it can go down a little too fast, but with enough dynamics in between that it makes for a pleasant sipper. Wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary.

Served in a 13.5oz Rastal Harmony glass from a 16oz can.