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James Link's picture

Gold Leaf Lager

July, 2017
Judges Rating: 
90
Aroma: 
21 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
37 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

This evaluation was made from a 12-ounce bottle subsequently poured into a 16-ounce pilsner glass and under the auspices of the 2015 BJCP style guidelines as a 4A Munich Helles.

It was a welcome change to review a tried and true beer style in these days of Coconut Curry and Tutti Fruity beers – recently there was a brewer out of Colorado that included bull testicles as part of the recipe.

With many new breweries trying to reinvent the wheel it is nice to find a style that has been brewed for over a hundred years. This golden lager exemplifies the Munich Helles style well.

The Aroma carries a pleasant light sweet corn-like bouquet with lager yeast notes. The appearance is bright and radiant, crystal clear with a fine tight bead. A clean crisp nicely subdued malt character with just a faint kiss of hops balances the flavor profile. Alcohol is on the low end of the spectrum and works with a light body to enhance drinkability.

Munich Helles is an everyday beer in Germany and can be found virtually everywhere. This example of that style follows form and can be enjoyed in session by all.