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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/580366
www.cheersonline.com 47 October 2015 • ters, which are typically ales, this porter is done in the Baltic style, which means it was cold fermented like a lager. (94) Brooklyn Lager (Brooklyn Brewery, New York) 5.2% ABV, 33 IBUs. Amber-gold in color and displays a fi rm malt center supported by a refreshing bitterness and hoppy aroma. The beer has been dry-hopped with Hallertauer Mittelfrueh, Vanguard and Cascade hops. This is a pretty lager for any food pairing—or just by itself. FOUR STARS (92) Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (Smoked Beer) (Schlenkerla Brewery, Bavaria, Germany) 5.2% ABV. Burnished, bronze beer. Short, bone-colored head is a bit soapy looking with large bubbles. Pleasant campfi re-like smokiness. The base beer (marzen) is evident before the smoke fl avor makes an appear- ance. The smoky character is subtle and well integrated, and doesn't seem to be as intense as in previous years. This beer would go great with smoked sausage, or ham and sharp cheddar cheese. (92) Craft American Lager (Due South Brewing, Boynton Beach, FL) 4.6% ABV, 20 IBUs. Pouring from the can, a clean white head that lingers, and a light golden color with the slightest of haze. Very little in the way of grain or hops in the nose of this beer. What it lacks in aroma it makes up for with a wonderfully hops-for- ward fl avor, and bitterness that stays with you. Pairs well with understated malt fl avors that fi nish clean and crisp. (92) Eliot Ness Lager (Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland, OH) 6.2% ABV. This Vienna-style lager is one that IPA fans would enjoy. Poured from a 12-oz. bottle, the deep, rich, reddish-cop- per color had a ¼-in. head that was maintained throughout consumption. A strong hop taste with berry and pepper overtones, and a sneaky 6.2% ABV. (92) Yokel Kellerbier (New Glarus Brewing, New Glarus, WI) 4.2% ABV, 18 IBUs. A Kellerbier is a style of unfi ltered lager dating back to the Middle Ages in Bavaria. This modern interpretation is slightly cloudy with aromas of poached pear and subtle spice. The mouth- feel is round and creamy, with some malt sweetness, herbal hop character and a refreshing fi nish. (91) Brawler Lager (Yards Brewing Co., Philadelphia) 4.2%, 12 IBUs. Malt-forward and hopped, for a well-bal- anced fl avor. Hints of caramel and toast. Ruby-colored, a true sessionable beer. (91) Optimator Doppelbock (Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu Brewery, Munich, Germany) 7.6% ABV, 25 IBUs. A traditional German doppelbock that pours a dark, burnt-amber color. Medium-bodied with fl avors of lightly roasted coffee, dates and smoky malts. With just a fl ash of hops on the fi nish, Optimator is a very balanced and enjoyable beer. (90) Prima Pils (Victory Brewing Co., Downington, PA) 5.3% ABV, 44 IBUs. Pours a clear, golden color, leaving a slight head. Prima Pils is Victory's wonderful example of a German pilsner with an American twist. This hops-forward pilsner is crisp, clean and refreshing, with a slightly bitter fi nish. Perfect for the warm summer months. (90) Craft Lager (Upslope Brewing Co., Boulder, CO.) 4.8% ABV, 15 IBUs. Appearance was to be expected from a lager: a light yellow tint and consistent head. Very light aroma. The taste is quite smooth, without that bite on the end. The malt and Czech Saaz hops work quite well together. There is no struggle on the tongue that I've experienced with other lagers. A great beer to have when you are thirsting for easy drinking. I can see why this is one of our customers' favorites in this category. (89) Helles Lager (Copper Kettle Brewing Co., Denver, CO) 4.8% ABV, 16 IBUs. A noticeable burnt orange hue when poured into the glass. (When I had this beer from the can a few weeks ago, I had no idea it was this dark.) This brew has a crisp taste, with a defi nite German-style yeast overtone. The aroma reminded me of an overripe banana or pineapple. Great label. (89) Beer Camp Hoppy Lager (Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA) 7% ABV, 55 IBUs. This imperial lager is a rework of last year's Electric Ray, a collaboration with Ballast Point Brewing. Pours a light-golden color with a thin, white head. Hop-driven, fi nishes with a crisp bite. (89) Buffalo Lager (Flying Bison Brewing Co., Buffalo, NY) 5.2% ABV. A crisp,