Japanese Lager
Bert's Brewing

this is wonderful, crisp and clean, summery without being generic in any way, with a nice contribution from the rice and all the intangibles, including elite level carbonation and a snappy dry back end, real well lagered, and recognizable as a rice lager sure but also probably agreeable to just about anyone who likes beer flavored beer, of some serious technical excellence! its insanely delicate looking in the glass, almost looks like a glass of pinot grigio, barely even yellow, with a fizzing and popping inch of white head from the tap, racing carbonation, and it appears pretty clear on account of how light it is in color, whoa. the nose is subtle, white florals, some rice starch, light citrus from some hops, and just a bit of the lager yeast in here, super clean overall, tidy and quick, with flattering minerality, freshness, and simplicity really, maybe the lightest expression of the style i have known. the flavor is a fast wash of floral rice, lemon zest without bitterness or acidity, and an almost clovery thing, herbal but mild the whole way, really light on the grain side, there must be quite a lot of rice in the mix, some crackery pils malt back there too i think, this is crazy quick and easy, brisk and refreshing, really well lagered. i think its hard to make light beer with character, and i think subtlety is a tough sell in america sometimes, its making beer of distinction within limited parameters is always impressive, like this beer is a triumph. mellow and easy and sort of mindless as can be, it stands up to deep scrutiny and analysis and to me is one of the better local lagers ive ever had from anywhere in idaho, and its one they should definitely be proud of. the mouthfeel is gentle but excited, the beer is refreshing without being neutral, and overall its a top notch specimen. will be drinking my share of this while its here!

Taster at Bert's. Very pale golden, white wine look, head dissipates immediately. Light bready aroma, biscuity. Taste is gentle, approachable, light malts, rice with some faint fruity notes. So refreshing on 90° day.