93 Ekstra Pale Lager, Alivaria (Belarus). 4.5% ABV (11/07)
Rich old gold color. Wet bread dough and light honeyed lemon peel aromas follow through to a crisp frothy and dryish medium body with a nice honeyed nut, grain and marmalade fade. Tasty.
92 Primator Premium Lager, Pivovar Nachod (Czech Republic). 5% ABV (11/09)
Gold amber color. Aromas of peach marmalade on nut bread toast and potter’s clay follow through on a soft, supple entry to a creamy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with hints of dried citrus and nice depth and balance. Finishes superbly in a dried fruit and nut-accented fade with lush astringency and earthy clay-like hops.
91 Singha Beer, Boon Rawd Brewery Co. (Thailand). 6% ABV (11/07)
Bright golden color. Fresh sourdough bread and dried lemon and faint coconut milk aromas. A frothy, zippy entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium body of honeyed lemon, rye toast and straw flavors. Finishes in a long, very refreshing citrus zest and praline fade with balanced bittering hops. A super quaffer.
91 McHenry Premium Lager, Clipper City Brewing Co. (MD). 4.6% ABV (10/07)
Golden amber color. Honey, orange marmalade, lemon poppy seed muffin aromas follow through to a round, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a fruity sweet, tangy golden raisin and honey fade with slight dough and nuts notes. Very tasty.
91 Imperial Lager, Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC (Sri Lanka). 8.8% ABV (11/08)
Pale golden amber color. Grilled mango, orange blossom honey and Hawaiian bread toast aromas follow through on a very supple and round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with honey yogurt, apple and pepper notes. Finishes with a long, warming honey granola fade. Big and tasty; pair with mighty curries.
91 Hofbräu Original Lager, Hofbräuhaus München (Germany). 5.1% ABV (11/09)
Golden color. Clean, whole grain toast and clay aromas follow through on a round, foamy entry to a dry, medium-to-full body with excellent balance of lightly honeyed malt and astringent citrus and earth-accented hops on the finish. Classically styled and highly drinkable.
90 Lager, Cable Car (USA). 4.5% ABV (11/09)
Golden yellow color. Aromas of honeyed biscuit have a hint cashew butter and micro greens and follow through on a soft, brisk entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with nice light balance and a gentle, mild hop and mineral finish. A very nice, carefree quaffer that should cover most bases at the casual dining table.
90 Chang Beer, Cosmos Brewery Co., Ltd. (Thailand). 5% ABV (11/08)
Bright golden color. Honeyed raisin toast aromas with a hint of lychee follow through on a crisp, smooth entry to a dryish medium body with a hint of apple, nut and a solid roasted grain character. Finishes with a crisp, balanced earthy hop and pizza dough fade. A very nice food beer.
89 Session Premium Lager, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 5.1% ABV (11/09)
Golden yellow color. Toasty fruit muffin, a touch of roasted vegetable and herb follow through on a crisp, soft entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with sweet citrus notes and delicate carbonation. Finishes with a smooth, tangy fade. An effortless session beer with nice mild citrus character.
89 Güera, Tijuana TJ (Mexico). (11/07)
Rich golden color. Buttered nut toast, cheddar popcorn, with apricot jam aromas follow through to a very frothy and soft, dryish medium body with delicate lemon rind and talc notes and a very crisp, mildly astringent snappy hop fade. Subtle, refreshing and elegant.
89 Golden Pheasant Lager, Heineken Slovensko (Slovakia). 5% ABV (11/08)
Old gold color. Buttered raisin toast and delicate citrus and spice aromas follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium body with mild creamed corn notes. Finishes with a crisp, savory butter toasted nut and orange spice tea fade. Refreshing.
88 Warka Red Label Lager, Grupa Zywiec S.A. (Poland). 5.7% ABV (11/09)
Deep golden color. Very mild toasted bread aromas follow through on a round entry to a dry, medium body with honeyed nuts, wheat cracker and golden raisin notes. Finishes with a crisp, astringent earth hop fade. A very nice quaffer.
88 Timisoreana Lager, Ursus Breweries (Romania). 5% ABV (10/08)
Pure golden color with a foamy white head. Honey-drizzled nut, melon rind and toasted Hawaiian bread aromas follow through on soft, silky entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with clay and almond skin accents. Finishes with a light bread dough and lemon soufflé fade. A pleasant light styled quaffer.
88 Pure Brewed Lager, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (10/08)
Deep golden color. Cocoa-dusted nuts, toasted raisin bread and custard aromas follow through on a soft, smooth entry to a dryish medium body with nice soft, biscuit and citrus rind accents. Finishes with a mild earthy hop and pepper fade.
88 Moretti Lager, Birra Moretti (Italy). 4.6% ABV (11/08)
Pale golden yellow color. Mild aromas of light rye toast and cracker and egg white soufflé follow through on soft, but crisp entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with excellent grainy bread and earth hop flavors with a touch of butter and dried fruit on the finish. An excellent food beer.
88 Michelob Lager, Michelob Brewing Co. (MO). 5% ABV (10/08)
Deep golden color. Mild peach custard pastry aromas have a toasty edge and follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium body with toasted nut bread and savory grilled citrus and root vegetable notes. Finishes with a very clean, honeyed nut and candied citrus peel fade. A refreshing and balanced quaffer or food beer.
88 Longboard Island Lager, Kona Brewing Co. (HI). 5.6% ABV (11/08)
Bright golden color. Baked citrus, buttered toast, straw aromas follow through on a round, crisp entry to a dryish medium body with nice integration of toast, raisin, citrus and earth flavors. Finishes with a long refreshing wave of flavor. A nice summer, “chill out” beer.
88 Lager, Tusker (Kenya). 4.2% ABV (11/07)
Golden yellow color. Wet straw, river bed, toast and mace aromas. A round, silky entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium body of honeyed cornbread, hay and lemon cream flavors with a quick, sweet candy corn fade. Interesting.
88 Koshihikari Jikomi, Swan Lake Beer (Japan). 5% ABV (2/07)
Pale golden color. Bread and faint dried banana aromas. A crisp entry leads to a dry, light-to-medium body of toast, citrus zest and delicate grain flavors. Finishes with a refreshing and mildly astringent wave of bittering hops.
88 Ekstra Draught, Svyturys (Lithuania). 5.2% ABV (10/08)
Bright golden color with a lacy head. Honeyed nut and lemon pastry aromas follow through on a rich entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with tropical fruit custard tart note. Finishes with a long, velvety yet crisp fruit. Nice weight and poise.
88 Duke Mid Strength Pale Lager, Burleigh Brewing Co. (Australia). 3.5% ABV (11/09)
Deep golden color. Light, toasted raisin bread crust and herbal hop aromas follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dryish light body with good depth and balance. Finishes with a crisp, toasty, lightly astringent fade. A nice, lighter styled session beer.
88 Berghoff Original Lager, Joseph Huber Brewing Co. (WI). (10/07)
Old gold color. Lemon soufflé and caramelized grain aromas follow through to a soft, frothy entry. Dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with a hints of banana cream, nuts and wet stones. A refreshing, fruity and well-balanced lager.
88 Baffo D’Oro, Birra Moretti (Italy). 4.8% ABV (11/07)
Old gold color. Fresh toasted bread and chocolate milkshake aromas. A soft, sound entry leads to a dryish medium body of honeyed nut toast and citrus marmalade flavors with a crisp, zippy, white clay and nut-accented fade. A great beer for Napoli-style pizza.
88 Ambar Especial Lager, La Zaragozana S.A. (Spain). 5.2% ABV (11/08)
Old gold color. Toasted brioche, honey cream and faint roasted root vegetable aromas follow through on a soft, silky entry to a dryish medium body with a touch of toasted buttered nuts and apple and pear skins on the crisp, light fade. Nice style and balance.
87 Zolotoye Pale Lager, Alivaria (Belarus). 5% ABV (11/07)
Old burnish gold color. Toasted-roasted grain, bread dough and paper maché aromas follow through to a round and dry, medium body with nutshell and lemon custard accents and a chewy, sweet wheat dough fade.
87 Stegmaier Gold Medal Beer, The Lion Brewery (PA). 4.6% ABV (11/08)
Bright golden color. Toasted herb bread, nut and faint roasted vegetable aromas follow through on a crisp, round entry to a dryish medium body nice balance and depth. Finishes with a touch of pear skin, rind and earth. Nice.
87 Lager, River Horse Brewery (NJ). 4.7% ABV (10/08)
Slightly hazy golden amber color. Roasted unshelled nuts, grapefruit and mild melted cheese aromas follow through on a soft, round entry to a dryish medium body with a touch of stewed okra. Finishes with a zesty lemon rind, toasted bread and metal ore fade.
87 Kell’s Irish Style Lager, Rogue Ales (OR). 4.8% ABV (11/09)
Lightly hazy deep golden color with a foamy white head. Aromas of bread, citrus and mild grassy hops follow through on a frothy medium body with melon notes. Finishes with a tart, tangy citrus, nut and earth fade.
87 Islander Pale Lager, Vancouver Island Brewery (Canada). 5% ABV (11/09)
Golden color. Aromas of honeyed muffin follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dryish medium body with toasted grain and sweet, lettuce-like notes. Finishes with a crisp, mild citrus and cream-accented fade. A solid session beer that will shine at the table.
87 Ensign Fred Pale Lager, Grumpy Troll Brewery (WI). 9.2% ABV (11/09)
%{Brewpub}
Interesting sour yeast, roasted chestnut, herbal hop and turmeric aromas follow through on a soft, gentle entry to a dryish and slightly sour light-to-medium body with roasted corn and plantain notes. Finishes with a toasty, grassy, mineral-accented fade.
87 Ekstra Lager Beer, Svyturys (Lithuania). 5.2% ABV (10/08)
Bright golden yellow color with a pillowy blanket. Reserved aromas of egg custard and brioche follow through on a supple, smooth entry to a creamy, dry-yet-fruity medium body with a caramelized nut and loamy earth notes. Finishes crisply with lemon-peach yogurt and a touch of pepper and alfalfa. A fine food beer to pair with goat cheese pizza.
87 Beck’s Lager, Brauerei Beck & Co. (Germany). 5% ABV (11/07)
Bright golden color. Mild bread dough, citrus rind and lightly herbal hop aromas. A crisp, zippy entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium body of bread, sour lemon marmalade and delicate earthy and herbal flavors. Finishes with a very quenching, crisp bittering hop fade. A nicely styled German lager.
87 Baltika Cooler, Baltika Brewery (Russia). 4.7% ABV (10/08)
Bright golden yellow color. Dried honey, Asian pear and toasted apple bread aromas follow through on a round, zesty entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with apple sauce, honeyed green tea and praline accents. Finishes with a touch of woody roasted nuts, honey and very mild earthy hops. A refreshing backyard party beer.
87 1846 Birra Blonda, Menabrea SPA (Italy). 4.8% ABV (11/09)
Pure golden color. Mild wet bread dough aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry, light-to-medium body with roasted grain and beet notes. Finishes with a crisp, foamy river stone-accented fade. A rock solid, lighter styled food beer.
86 True North Blonde Lager, Magnotta Brewery Ltd. (Canada). 5% ABV (10/08)
Bright golden amber color with a soft, thin blanket. Light caramel on nut bread toast aromas with a hint of mango follow through on a crisp round entry to a dryish medium body with notes of creamy polenta and green apple. Finishes with a tangy, citrus marmalade fade with a faint asparagus note.
86 Tennent’s Lager, Wellspark Brewery (Scotland). 3.9% ABV (11/07)
Bright deep golden color. Fresh baked crusty bread aromas. A soft, frothy entry leads to a smooth dryish medium body of salt buttered baguette and light dried citrus flavors with a crisp, rounded, mildly earthy hop fade. Very supple and balance. A very nice, easy drinking beer.
86 St. Pauli Girl Lager, St. Pauli Brauerei (Germany). 4.9% ABV (11/08)
Bright golden yellow color. Savory toasted multigrain bread crust and buttered nut aromas have a grassy, straw-like hop edge and follow through on a supple entry to a frothy, dry, medium body with good depth and persistent, almost tangy citrus and earth hop notes on the fade. A solid quaffer or food beer.
86 Organically Produced Lager Beer, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (10/08)
Old gold color. Honeyed toast with a hint of caramelized citrus and dried poultry. A soft, round entry leads to a dryish creamy medium body with salty toasted nut and caramelized roasted squash accents. Finishes with a chewy toast and praline fade. A layered, culinary beer to enjoy with a hearty turkey leg.
85 Lager, Karlovacko (Croatia). 5.4% ABV (11/07)
Pale golden amber color. Bread flour, dried orange peel and light praline aromas follow through to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with nice toasted grains and nuts accents and a lemon pie-like fade. Tasty.
85 Lager, Golden Brau (Romania). 4.8% ABV (10/07)
Golden yellow color. Fresh bread and earthy hop aromas. A crisp, frothy entry leads to a dry, light-to-medium body of rye toast and citrus peel flavors. Finishes with a pleasant bittering hop and honeyed grainy toast fade. An easy-going quaffer.
85 Eco Beer, Bio Grande (Holland). 5% ABV (11/07)
Rich golden color. Bamboo sprout, water chestnut, whole wheat flour and clay aromas are interesting and follow through to a dry, light-to-medium body with citrus rind and nut accents and a crisp, zesty toasty fade. Curious and fun.
85 Big Head Pale Lager, Burleigh Brewing Co. (Australia). 4.2% ABV (11/09)
Vibrant golden color. Lightly toasty, creamy aromas follow through on a soft entry to a dry, light body with hints of roasted grains and root vegetables. Finishes with a crisp, toasty fade. A nice quaffer.
84 Tiger Crystal Beer, Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore). 4.3% ABV (11/09)
Pale golden color. Aromas of honeyed golden raisin toast follow through on a round, frothy entry to a dry, light-to-medium body with hints of dusty pear skin and lemon and a brisk hay and tilled earth-accented finish. A decent quaffer.
84 Premium Lager, Alberta’s Best (Canada). 4.9% ABV (11/07) %{Brewpub}
Pale golden amber color. Honeyed cornbread and golden raisin aromas follow through to a smooth, soft and dryish light-to-medium body with a gentle apple mineral water-like fade.
84 Original Lager, Bowes (Canada). 4.9% ABV (11/07) %{Brewpub}
Bright golden. Nice aromas of crusty bread and light dried citrus and apple skins. A soft, silky entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium body of apple bread, tangy citrus and pewter flavors. Finishes with a quick canned apple sauce fade.
84 Northern Light Lager, Granite City Food & Brewery (IL). 4.2% ABV (10/08) %{Brewpub}
Golden yellow color. Muted aromas of peach jam, grainy dough and roasted chestnuts follow through on a crisp, prickly entry to a dry, light body with mineral and bread crust notes and a light breezy butter roasted nut and earth fade. A nice quaffer; serve very cold.
84 Lewis & Clark Light Gold Lager, High Noon Saloon & Brewery (KS). 5% ABV (10/08) %{Brewpub}
Golden amber color. Honey roasted nuts, toasted bread and lemon custard aromas follow through on a creamy entry to a dryish medium body with melon rind and nutshell accents. Finishes with brisk, astringent muddy hay and lemon yogurt-like fade.
84 Beerlao Lager, Lao Brewery (Laos). 5% ABV (10/07)
Pale golden yellow color. Dried fruit, salted nuts and candy corn aromas. Brisk entry leads to an off-dry, light body of creamed and candied corn and sugared lemon flavors with a quick custardy finish.
84 Alpine Summit Lager, Moosehead Breweries (Canada). 5% ABV (10/07)
Golden yellow color. Golden raisin and date bread aromas. A crisp, frothy entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium body of lemon custard on raisin toast and flavors with a lightly toffeed fade.
84 Alpine Lager, Moosehead Breweries Ltd. (Canada). 5% ABV (11/08)
Bright golden color. pepper and egg bread aromas follow through to dryish light-to-medium body with corn flake notes and mild citrus, apple and earth on the piquant finish. Pleasantly zesty.
84 541 Lager, Hop Valley Brewing Co. (OR). 4.9% ABV (11/09)
Deep golden color. Tilled earth aromas have hints of peach marmalade, banana bread and buttered nuts. Frothy and medium-bodied with chewy pastry dough-like malt and a note of canned vegetables. Finishes with a zippy citrus and grassy hop finish.
83 Premium Lager, San Miguel Brewery (Philippines). 5% ABV (11/07)
Pale golden color. Toasted cornbread, citrus powder drink and honeyed nut aromas. A soft, lightly frothy entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium body of toasted grain, roasted corn and lemon spritz flavors. Finishes with a quick, sweet corn meal fade.
83 Premium Lager, Cusqueña (Peru). 5% ABV (11/07)
Golden color. Sour cream frosting, dried oregano and toast aromas. A frothy entry leads to a dry, light-to-medium body of nut toast, pumpkin seeds and lemon curd. Finishes with a quick diet lemon-lime water fade.
83 Point Special Lager, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 4.6% ABV (10/08)
Bright golden yellow color with a lacy head. Mild toasted cornbread aromas have a creamy lemon pudding edge and follow through on a crisp entry to a dry, light-to-medium body with effervescent lemon spritz and talc notes. Finishes with a lemon sorbet and metal ore fade.
83 Pacifico Clara, Cerveceria Modelo (Mexico). 4.4% ABV (11/08)
Egg bread aromas and flavors with a dry, light body with hints of apple skin and nuts. Finishes with a quick, metal ore and buttered cornbread fade.
83 Moosehead Lager, Moosehead Breweries Ltd. (Canada). 5% ABV (11/08)
Bright golden color. Pepper muffin and buttery corn niblet aromas follow through on a crisp entry to a dry, light-to-medium body with a mild apple skin and buttered toast fade. A decent quaffer.
83 Hollandia Premium Lager, H-West B.V. (Holland). 4.8% ABV (11/08)
Gold color. French toast aromas have a faint, savory vegetal edge and follow through on a round entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with a touch of creamed corn. Finishes with a dash of pepper, dried citrus and foil.
82 Premium Lager, J. Boag & Son (Australia). 5% ABV (11/07)
Pale golden color. Sour cream, buttered rye toast and herb aromas. A sharp, spiky entry leads to a dry, medium body of candied lemon zest, wet mineral and toast flavors with a quick pastry dough fade.
82 Lager, Wing Walker (USA). 4.5% ABV (11/09)
Deep golden color. Aromas of honeyed raisin bread toast have hints of waxy chocolate and nuts and follow through on a very soft, supple entry to a dryish, light-to-medium body with notes of toasted grain. Finishes with gentle, lightly earthy hops and herbed bread notes. Different.
81 Órale Mexican Style Lager, Del Norte Brewing Co. (CO). 4.6% ABV (11/09)
Curious aromas of dusty grain dough and peach vinaigrette on mesclun greens and kale follow through on a round, soft entry to a dryish medium body with canned creamed corn and white peppercorn notes. Finishes with an earthy, clay-like hop accent. A house of cards of flawed characteristics that strangely almost balance; try with food.
81 Lager Beer, Tsingtao Brewing Co. (China). 4.8% ABV (11/08)
Sourdough, old tinny creamed corn and muddy reed aromas follow through on a brisk entry to a sour and dry, light body with unformed bread dough, dead yeast and riverbed notes. Finishes with a thin, acrid buttered nutshell, old butter and canned corn fade.