Learn Beer » Reviews » Beer Talk

Beer Talk

Moa Lager

Published May 2009, Volume 30, Number 2

The Moa Brewing Co.
Blenheim Marlborough, New Zealand
Imported by: L. Knife & Son, Inc
Kingston, MA

Available: MA, NY, NJ, MD, VA, WI

After six weeks for the initial brewing process and conditioning, the beer is then bottled with more yeast and sugar, capped and left to re-ferment. Unusually, the bottles are then inverted, allowing the yeast sediment to settle down into the neck of the bottle. The neck is frozen, the bottle uncapped, the frozen plug of sediment pops out, then the bottle is sealed with a champagne-style cork and wire cage.

ABV: 5.5
ABW: 4.9
Color: n/a
Bitterness: n/a
Original gravity: n/a

  • Charles Finkel

    Handsome package reeks of authenticity. Unfiltered with a turbid, greenish-gold hue topped with bright white. Big hop aroma sets it apart from most lagers. So hop-forward that the bitterness overwhelms any malt flavor present. Nice softness on the tongue without the acidity of other hop-heavy beers. Finish is clean and pleasantly medicinal. Recommended before the meal, as an aperitif with salsa and chips, spicy samosa, or even vinegary hot peppers.

  • Jason and Tod Alstrøm

    Interesting. A lager that's bottled-conditioned with wine yeast. Pours a cloudy straw color with a healthy, creamy white lace. Intoxicating aroma of lilac, spice and hay. Creamy mouthfeel with a prickly carbonation. Raw. Mealy, apple-skin like character. Thick herbal hop flavor upfront. Grainy malts. Bready beneath. Mild, nutty yeast note all the way through with a good dose of mineral, too. Goes a bit gritty and dry towards the end with a tannic edge. A delicious offering, reminiscent of a classic German kellerbier.

Add Your Comments