Bell’s Lager

Total Score: 41/50

Aroma: Moderately grainy, lightly sweet Pils malt aroma, with barest hint of DMS. Low note of cinnamon spicy hop; hints of sweet spice and a bit of peppery herbs. (8/12)

Appearance: Pale golden yellow, brilliant clarity. Some white bubbles form layer of foam that does not persist. (3/3)

Flavor: Pronounced hop bitterness prevails, but is supported by the bready, malty backbone. Balance is skewed to hop bitterness, though after a hint of DMS, the spicy herbal hop flavor comes forward mid-palate. Clean fermentation characteristics, no fruitiness or diacetyl. A crisp, slightly minerally flavor comes through toward the end, but the finish is clean, with a low, lingering bitterness. (16/20)

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. No alcohol warmth, and no astringency. Lightly creamy texture. (5/5)

Overall Impression: Refreshingly clean, crisp malt character is reminiscent of back yard barbecues and late summer parties. Begs to accompany a burger fresh off the grill, served on white bread with a slice of vine ripe tomato and leaf of lettuce on a thin paper plate. Firm, lingering hop bitterness in the finish is more Czech Pils-like than I expected, but quite pleasant, especially on a hot summer day. I can almost hear the sprinklers in the background. (9/10)

Total Score: 42/50

Judged as 2B Bohemian Pilsner

Aroma: Spicy and floral notes of Saaz leap out as soon as the beer is poured. There is a classic continental malt backbone with cracker and breadcrumb notes. I pick up a light fruitiness—I think more from hops than from the fermentation, and there are faint sulfur notes in the background. Nice first impression. (10.5/12) 

Appearance: Straw color, not quite as deep as the classic examples, but within guidelines. Clarity is excellent, though the head retention is a bit lower than draft versions. (2.5/3) 

Flavor: Malt hits the palate first, with moderate breadcrumb notes and a touch of light caramel. The sweetness gradually attenuates as the hops take over. The bitterness increases slowly, reaching a peak just after the beer is swallowed but is never too assertive. There are some esters, but these are mainly herbal and floral notes from the Saaz hops. In spite of the solid hop bitterness, the beer finishes a little sweet—even for this style. The balance would improve if it were a little drier. (17/20)

Mouthfeel: The moderate carbonation could be higher, which would help both the retention and the crispness lacking in the finish. There is a very slight astringency from the hops. (4/5)

Overall Impression: This is a very nice, refreshing example of the style. It showcases the Saaz hops and continental malts, and is well-made technically with a clean fermentation profile. A little more attenuation and carbonation would go hand-in-hand for improving the crispness of the finish and nudging it closer to classic examples of the style. (8/10)

Total Score: 37/50

Judged as 2B Bohemian Pilsner

Aroma: Moderate noble hop nose, distinctive Saaz, has a “sea breeze” character with spicy and floral notes. Clean lager, hint of sulfur. Mild malt in the background. Hops are forward in the balance. The hops grow to moderately strong as the beer warms. (9/12)

Appearance: Light golden color. Tall creamy white head, retained well. The head developed a moussy, rocky character as it settled. Crystal clear. (3/3)

Flavor: Strong Saaz hop flavor. Medium-high bitterness. Solid malt underneath is supportive but not intrusive. Mostly a Pils malt flavor, but has a Munich-like richness as well. The malt flavor reminds me a bit of a maibock. Lingering bitterness in the finish with a little bit of malt richness. Clean lager fermentation. I do get some minerally flavor in the finish, making it a touch harsh. Full finish, too much for a Dortmunder. The malt character is richer than the Pils flavor alone of a Dortmunder, but not the same as a Bohemian Pils either. (15/20)

Mouthfeel: Medium body, almost medium-full. Moderate carbonation. Light alcohol. Minerally character with hops gives it a light astringency. (3/5)

Overall Impression: Strange—like a cross between a Dortmunder, Bohemian Pils, and a maibock. The Saaz character and fuller finish suggest a Pils, but the light color and mineral character suggest a Dort. The Munich malt richness is more like a maibock, but the bitterness is too high and the alcohol too low. So it probably isn’t a great example of any of these styles, but it is a well-crafted and nicely drinkable beer. The balance is hoppy-bitter, and the fermentation is quite clean. If someone asked me “what is this?” I’d probably say it tasted like a hoppy, bitter maibock, sort of like Rogue Dead Guy is like a bitter maibock, although this is definitely a lager, and the hops are definitely Saaz. I’d say it’s a nice drinking beer for those that like hoppy continental lagers; it’s best enjoyed without trying to pigeonhole it into a style. (7/10)