Rotmistrz India Pale Ale/Lager
Malcolm S.A.

 

 

 

 

Part of a 10 pack 16.9oz cans Costco $29.99
264 days before best by date assuming 6.12.2024 is Dec 6
Smells lightly of malts
Light golden color
Medium-light mouthfeel
Medium carbonation
Taste of light malts with a light bitterness' finish
Overall a well made beer. Nothing fancy. For the low ABV it is better than any macro light beer I've had so that factors into my score.

I guess when a new style is created (as IPA/lager was in recent years), it takes a while for everyone to agree on what the style is. As for me, I've had only two of this style and can't remember either. So, enough of that discussion from me.

From the Webster-Barnes imported "European Collection" box of ten uniques sold by Costco. (Give us more great finds !)
Rotmistrz' second addition to the box. is much like the first, a pils. But IPA/lager has a huge bountiful head and persistent lace, slightly hazy like many ales. Smells are malty/fruity/hoppy, but balanced. Same on the Tastes, but the hops start to penetrate in the finish like a pils. Light to medium in my mouth.

I have big praise for the importer and Costco in expanding the reach for Europe's many unsung micros. For that, I give good Overall Hugs.

 

Malcolm S.A. "Rotmistrz India Pale Ale / Lager"
500 ml can coded "18.01.2025 RD PO 37181023". Sampled on 27.02.2024.
$29.99/12-pk European Beer Collection @ Costco, Christiana, DE

Notes via stream of consciousness: Not sure what to call your 4% ABV golden lager? Maybe "INDIA PALE ALE / LAGER" will work? I'm not sure why they might have thrown the IPA moniker on there seeing that it's neither more bitter, nor hoppy than a standard Pilsener. My guess is that the importer requested that. Why? Who knows? Anyway, it's poured a hazy golden body beneath a full head of fluffy white foam. The aroma certainly isn't hoppy although there are some hops there (floral, herbal). On to the taste, the malt is lightly sweetish, grainy and grassy; it tastes like Pilsner malt to me. There is a light touch of apple-like fruitiness to it, some earthiness, and perhaps even a hint of pine in the finish. It's got a very firm bitterness that lingers in the otherwise earthy and grassy finish. It's medium in body and surprisingly zesty and crisp on the tongue with a very fine-bubbled, seemingly natural carbonation. The head has held up really well and I still have a pretty thick surface covering although there is an empty space that leaves it looking like a crescent moon, and the lacing is thick and tight, swirling around the entire glass. I'm almost through the entire serving now and I'm picking up what seems to be some grapefruit-like citrus - interesting. I've enjoyed this beer a lot and I'll certainly look for it again.
Review #8,931

Without knowing what exactly this style is supposed to be, it's kind of difficult to rate based on style. It's shown as an India Pale Ale Lager. I don't know what that means. I do think that the beer has merit.
It pours mostly clear but with some chill haze. It has a thick rocky head that looks like a pile of bricks and stands up above the rim of the glass. The aroma is malty and hoppy like most IPAs and with more floral/spicy hops. The taste is a nice firmly medium bitter well balanced with the crackery malt. Mouth feel is light like a lager. I don't notice any defects. It's all nicely balanced and very drinkable. It's only 4% ABV. It refreshing and understated. I'd drink it again.

From the half liter can, it pours a clear light golden color with a very large white head that slowly reduces. The nose gets some light spice and malt. The mouth gets a bit of bitterness, but it is mostly malt.