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Endless Summer Light
San Diego, California
BJCP Category: 1A Lite American Lager
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. <visit site>
35
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[expand]Total Score: 31/50
While not a best example of the style, it is still refreshing when cold. The DMS in this sample is overpowering and this sample is also suffering from oxidation that dulls the flavor profile over time more >
[close]Total Score: 31/50
Aroma: Low, grainy malt aroma. Very low malt presence. High creamed-corn-like DMS aroma. No acetaldehyde, fruity esters or diacetyl. There a dullness to the aroma, not crisp or lager-like, that is often an indication of the effects of oxidation. No alcohol apparent. (7/10)
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Appearance: Bright clarity. Gold color dark for the style. Thin head with adequate retention for style. Well carbonated. (3/3)
Flavor: DMS dominates over the malty underpinnings and balanced hop bitterness—both are somewhat big for an American Light Lager. No hop flavor. Some lemony acidity—likely from carbonation. DMS detracts from a sense of lager crispness as does the dullness from age. No diacetyl or fruity esters. No apparent alcohol evident. (12/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body—too big for the style. Smooth, but not crisp, lager-like. A bit fizzy from carbonation—OK. No alcohol warming. (3/5)
Overall Impression: While not a best example of the style, it is still refreshing when cold. The DMS in this sample is overpowering and this sample is also suffering from oxidation that dulls the flavor profile over time; brewing process needs to be reconsidered. Perhaps this bottle was abused in shipping from San Diego to Southeastern Pennsylvania. It is also just too big for an American Light Lager. Still this is a good beer to have with hotdogs, burgers and to enjoy at a ballgame. (6/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 40/50
The label bills this as the perfect beer to enjoy at the beach, a perfect warm (read HOT!) weather cooler. The malt character, while light, is still predominant enough to satisfy discerning taste buds more >
[close]Total Score: 40/50
Aroma: Light, grainy bread crust malt dominates, and is backed up with delicate floral, rose and star jasmine hop aroma. A hint of DMS sneaks in at the finish, but fades quickly, as does the floral character as the beer breathes. (8/12)
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Appearance: Brilliant clarity, straw color. Good head forms of finely bubbled white foam, which is moderately persistent. The foam falls to leave an amoebic pattern on the surface; bubbles continually rise. (3/3)
Flavor: Low, light malty, bready grain character is dominant flavor, with a whisper of floral hop flavor. Hop bitterness is fairly pronounced in comparison to the very clean malt and fermentation character. Mid-palate balance gives way to firm bitterness. Finishes clean with that same crisp, light bitterness lingering long afterward. (16/20)
Mouthfeel: Light bodied with somewhat spritzy carbonation; a light astringency lasts at the end, providing a crisp, gently dry finish. (5/5)
Overall Impression: The label bills this as the perfect beer to enjoy at the beach, a perfect warm (read HOT!) weather cooler. The malt character, while light, is still predominant enough to satisfy discerning taste buds accustomed to more robust fare. May be a bit fuller flavored than the average “lite” beer, but graciously so. The effervescent carbonation and crisp, dry finish are quite refreshing. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 33/50
Good recipe and execution, but the age or handling of this delicate style created oxidation issues that hurt the flavor. more >
[close]Total Score: 33/50
Aroma: Bready malt aroma with a hint of green apple. There is not any perceptible corn, but I do pick up light cabbage notes from DMS. There are some light fruity notes, but the ester level is low as appropriate for this style. Papery notes from oxidation emerge as the carbonation settles down. (8/12)
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Appearance: Light gold in color, which is darker than most standard lagers. The clarity is brilliant, and the head retention is good for this style. (2.5/3)
Flavor: The malt character is unfortunately muted by papery notes from oxidation, but there are some nice bready notes underneath. The light fruitiness is at a sufficiently low level, and the sulfur notes add complexity but are less pronounced than in the aroma. The bitterness is low, even for this style. The sweetness lingers a bit longer than expected, and a few more IBUs would help the balance without shifting it beyond the style guidelines. (12.5/20)
Mouthfeel: A grainy character lingers and coats the back of the tongue, which may be astringency from the malt. It is lightly carbonated for the style, and more CO2 would also improve the finish. (3/5)
Overall Impression: Good recipe and execution, but the age or handling of this delicate style created oxidation issues that hurt the flavor. On the technical side, more carbonation would add the crispness and carbonic needed to brighten the finish and improve the balance. A higher percentage of adjuncts is one potential path toward creating a lighter palate. (7/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 38/50
The body is the biggest drawback. It gives the beer a heavy mouthfeel and finish. It’s not sweet—it seems dry but with a fair amount of dextrins. Nice hop character. Clean lager. Could be a little fresher—the more >
[close]Total Score: 38/50
Aroma: Mild neutral grain. Light corny DMS. Soft hops, barely noticeable. Just a hint of sulfur. Hops grow a bit as it warms. No esters, just some floral hops. Seems pretty clean—nothing off. (10/12)
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Appearance: Perfectly clear. Tall white head, retained well. Tiny frothy bubbles. Pretty light yellow color. (3/3)
Flavor: Neutral grainy malt. Low bitterness. Dryish finish. Medium-low hop flavor, lightly floral. Very light corny DMS flavor in background. Clean lager character. Finish is full, not crisp, due to body. Grainy malt and light hop flavor in aftertaste. A little tired in flavor but not stale. (15/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium body—rather heavy for a light lager. Medium carbonation. A little creamy in character, which is not traditional. Seems heavy and thick for the style—not crisp and refreshing. No alcohol noted. (3/5)
Overall Impression: The body is the biggest drawback. It gives the beer a heavy mouthfeel and finish. It’s not sweet—it seems dry but with a fair amount of dextrins. Nice hop character. Clean lager. Could be a little fresher—the flavors don’t pop. With a lower finishing gravity and less mouthfeel, it would fit the style nicely. The balance of flavors is well-handled. A little too heavy for a lawnmower beer, but I did judge it after cutting the grass and it tasted pretty good. (7/10)
