F-16 Viper Lager
Elite Brewing & Cidery

A- This comes out of the can looking more of a chill hazed pale yellow in color, but then once in the glass, it settles down and is actually more of a light amber tone with yellow-ish back notes....still has that chill hazed effect going on. The head is quite white, and I'd say about two fingers in thickness to begin with before settling quickly to a patchy layer over to the brew....it is medium density. There is a fair bit of carbonation happening, and the lacing is modestly sticky, with small clumps hanging on for dear life around the inside of the glass.

S- There is a distinct orange peel/tangerine likeness about the aroma, alongside richer smells of caramel/crystal malts, barley kernel, hints of cooked sugars, and warm vanilla bean. Perhaps some creamy yeast, and orange blossom on the finish to help balance out some muted leafy hop cone bitterness.

T- The flavors are very rich and mellow for a lager, which is must appreciated here! Again with hints of orange zest, and/or sun kissed tangerine, some dry grainy malts providing muted caramel/toffee sweetness, vanilla bean pod, and a finish that is clean, slightly bitter but nothing overpowering, and of cracker dryness.....well balanced!

M/O- This is light, leaning into medium body, and the carbonation is in fact zesty, with plenty of aggressive bubbles to pop on the palate, providing a great refreshing mouthfeel, yet the all malt mash provides that deeper flavor profile that many brews of this style lack. The drinkability factor is very high, and anyone wanting something of substance yet easy to drink don't need to look any further than the F-16 Viper! I'll most definitely enjoy this again, and look for it on tap next time I visit this brewery while in Calgary!