Golden Lager
Portsmouth Brewery

 

On tap at Ramunto's Pizzeria in Claremont, NH, this brew was a hazy, honey-gold color. The head was off-white, of standard size, laced poorly but retained fairly well. The aroma was classic, lager-esque malt, a touch of musty-cellar quality and a good balancing background of hops. The flavors were a great example of the style, displaying great balance between the pale malt and citrusy hops. It was simple, but neat, refreshing and quaffable. The mouthfeel was smooth, the carbonation perfect for a lager and the body medium. I enjoyed it, my pizza and my company immensely.

Came with the sampler at the brewery. Typical lager pour, clear gold with a short white head. Sweet pale malt nose, some hops, lots of sugar. Smooth, light taste. Sweeter malt and a splash of hops. Its very similar to a Lowenbrau. Overall, Pale Lagers aren't really my favorite, so that may have effected this rating.

This Pils poured a medium golden color, and was clear throughout. A bit darker than a lot of Pils, which seem to be more straw-colored, in general. Head was creamy and white, yet thinned down rapidly, leaving a rim of bubbles around the glass. SOme lacing present, though not much. Aroma had a slight, toasty malt lean to it, with a grassiness also coming into play. Felt good on the tongue, with the body being about mid-range, and not overly carbonated at all, like some Pils. Taste had a good, "German" feel to it. Clean and crisp, with a bready malt start. Hops rounded the finish out nicely, in a floral, grassy manner. No spicy or sharp hop notes, though. I don't normally drink this style, but this one was enjoyed thoroughly. Zum Wohl!!

overall: 3.9
appearance: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | mouthfeel: 4 | drinkability: 4

588

Sampled at the brewpub on tap.

This pale lager (web site calls it a pilsner) poured a clear, golden color with white foam that settled but left some lace. The smell was very minimal (faint malt). The taste was sweetish malt with a hint of hops that gave it an tangy flavor. The mouthfeel was crisp. The body was medium-light with good carbonation. The aftertaste was hoppy. This was a fairly light lager.