Rating:

“A crisp lager, brewed with the freshest high-country water and local malts, this beer is made for everyone. A mid strength malty lager, with a hint of lemon zest and moderate noble hop spice. NxNE is our location in Victoria. and this beer is a great way to finish off a hard day of playing and adventuring in the High Country! Awarded Silver for Best International Lager at Australian International Beer Awards 2022, 2023 & 2025. Bronze at Royal QLD Awards 2025.”

Glassware: Footed flute.

Appearance: Pours a rather deep golden complexion with a wispy overlay. The head falls away quickly and produces next to no lacing.

Aroma: Quite a malty number. Light honey sweetness, pumpernickel and buttery biscuits form a solid foundation for the light citrusy and ever so slightly herbal hops to work off of. Surprisingly richer and more complex than we had anticipated…. considering its light ABV (3.5%).

Flavour: Lightens up a bit here. The honey sweetness drops off but the dark bready notes, biscuits and crackers hold strong. The citrusy and herbal hops are woven through really neatly. Kicked on by a gentle bitterness that starts early and subtly rolls into the slightly dry, yet well balanced finish. Good length on it too.

Mouthfeel: Surprisingly chewy for a mid-strength lager. Mild-medium body, lightly sparkling carbonation. Just a really well structured lager for 3.5%.

Overall: Very tidy little middy here. It looks, smells and tastes like a full strength lager but it’s anything but. Another impressive beer by these Victorian high country masters.

Rating:

“Meet our Wheatbelt Lager, made with Munich malt from the WA Wheatbelt, rainwater from Eagle Bay, and Australian Hops. It’s an easy drinking Australian Lager. Clean, crisp and delicious.”

Glassware: Footed flute.

Appearance: Honey-golden complexion with a thumb of frothy white head. Good retention and healthy lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Clean, crisp, new world lager vibes. The use of Munich malt provides a sturdy malt structure of lightly toasted white bread, floral honey and water crackers whilst the Aussie hops build upon it with delicate herbals and resin, grass and earthiness. Quite a basic aroma but it all comes together beautifully.

Flavour: Again, super crisp and clean. The Munich malt giving it this air of traditional German lager while the Aussie hops pull it into the new world with hints of citrus, subtle dank herbs, resin and grass. We get a faint touch of honey sweetness around the mid which is overtaken by an earthy note then a modest bitterness drives it all into a crisp and grassy finish. Good duration on it.

Mouthfeel: Light on, crushable. Definitely neck oil. Light-moderate body with perfect Co2. The 4.3% ABV is a tad lower than usual but it works.

Overall: Another one smashed out of the park by Eagle Bay. This was our 3rd crack at them now and all of them have been superb. We really liked the merging of the old-world malt and the new world hops. Highly enjoyable lager.

Rating:

“Oaked Vienna Lager has complexity, but it’s a beer for drinking, especially as the weather cools. A complex & round palate from the use of French oak while remaining crisp and so drinkable.”

Glassware: Half stein.

Appearance: Bold amber with a soft copper tint. It only manages a finger of loosely packed head which slowly peels off. Sparse lacing as we imbibe.

Aroma: Offering up hallmark caramel and honey overtones. Gotta love Vienna malt! Some raisin-esque fruitiness also getting amongst it. Plenty of toasty notes, nutty, biscuity and a fleeting hint of honeysuckle. The 5-week conditioning on French oak (we’re guessing oak chips as opposed to barrels) has a nice yet subtle effect… conveying a hint of vanilla and spice. We’re enjoying this more than we’d first thought.

Flavour: Really well balanced, which really is key for these medium bodied beers. It opens with a caramel and honey sweetness which is nicely dried out by French oak and floral hops. Not to mention the 5-week cold conditioning that adds a certain crispness. A gentle bitterness is laid over as it sets up for a really well balanced finish that draws out nicely on the back.

Mouthfeel: Slick, gelatinous, kinda chewy. Medium body, flat-ish Co2. The 6% ABV slots in very neatly.

Overall: We were initially pensive about this as it was a near 11-month old beer. The style plus the oak contact and cold conditioning ensured a good shelf life though. We’re really digging Eagle Bay. Everything we’ve tried from them has been top notch.

Rating:

“To honor the tradition of this great brand, we quote from the original pledge of quality: “From the glass lined tanks of Old Latrobe we tender this premium beer for your enjoyment, as a tribute to your good taste. It comes from the mountain springs to you.”

Glassware: American pint.

Appearance: Light straw golden pour with minimal head formation. Zero head = zero lacing. We’ve noticed this from generic American lagers before and it’s due to the adjuncts such as corn, rice and maize which don’t possess the proteins required to retain head.

Aroma: Restrained and shy. It’s basically all malt/corn with very little hop character. We certainly get lots of creamed corn, buttery popcorn, honey, Cheerios and some earthiness. A slight hint of rubber which means the beer has been mildly light-struck (a big reason why most breweries switched from green bottles to brown. Or one better – tinnies). Presents a lot like a Mexican cerveza.

Flavour: A notable step up from the aroma. A lot of the sweet honey malt and creamed corn/buttery popcorn is cleaned up by a very crisp and refreshing texture. Still minimal hop flavour but a delicate bitterness leads into a nice smooth finish which drops off pretty quickly.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, clean, a little thin and slippery. Flat-ish Co2, light body. The 4.4% ABV is neither here nor there.

Overall: Super mainstream beer, we know. The only reason we reviewed it is out of sheer nostalgia. We drank it a few times on a USA trip years before we’d discovered craft and thought it was pretty good. Years later…not so much. It’s good to wash down some chicken wings or a greasy burger but that’s about it.

Rating:

“Kozel Premium is the most popular Czech beer in the world! Kozel Premium is made with three selected malts and the aromatic Czech hop Premiant for a well-balanced taste, welcome bitterness and full body.”

Glassware: Dimpled mug.

Appearance: Absolute sight. Deep golden complexion with a snow white two finger head perched on top. It gradually peels off and weaves a fine lace down the glass.

Aroma: This is one of those “can’t believe we haven’t reviewed this” moments. This beer was an after-work staple for one of us for many years back in the day and the nostalgia lives on! Peak Czech lager characteristics – slightly richer malt profile and more complex than, for example, their German counterparts. Still, those all-time Noble hop qualities lift out with herbal spice, grass and light florals. Brilliant aroma.

Flavour: Follows on from the nose with its more pronounced malt richness, hints of caramel, honey and doughy bread, but the Noble hops do an excellent job balancing it all out with not only its notable bitterness but also its spicy herbals, dry grassy notes and florals. Good carry through the mid then into a dry, slightly toasty, spicy and herbaceous finish that draws out well on the back end.

Mouthfeel: Crisp yet chewy and more rounded in comparison (again) to its German counterpart. Medium body and Co2. The 4.6% ABV is on par for the style.

Overall: Faultless really. Everything we’d want in a Czech premium lager is on show here; rich yet crisp and sessional, full flavoured, balanced and clean. Superior stuff.

Rating:

“WELCOME TO CAIRNS! Here we have a session lager for your pleasure. Easy going, with subtle Saaz hops and a touch of maize. Brewed with a low bitterness to make it truly sessionable. Enjoy!”

Glassware: Stemmed tulip.

Appearance: Pale light golden pour with a very mild haze. It forms a finger of fluffy white head which slowly deconstructs. Wet patches of lace cling to the glass as it ebbs.

Aroma: Crisp, clean and slightly herbal. A mostly clean malt bill too with a hint of corn and honey sweetness. It gives off cerveza vibes with notable DMS/maize, refreshing citrus and herbal accents. Then it brings it back to an Aussie-style lager with the soft earthy and spicy undertones. It all comes together quite nicely. Diggin it.

Flavour: Goes down extremely well on this hot Sydney arvo. It’s super refreshing, light and crisp. Those cerveza vibes are on display again here…distinct corn and DMS, vegetal notes and crackers then a nuanced herbal and fruity hop bill weaves its way through. It dries out a touch midway, followed by a subtle bitterness then into an ultra clean and grassy finish.

Mouthfeel: Clean, crisp, light on. Proper neck oil. Perfectly carbed and the 4.5% ABV – although high for a “session lager” – is neatly tucked away.

Overall: Our first crack at this brewery from Cairns. An absolute pearler of a beer to crush in their tropical heat. Was not expecting this level of quality. Kudos, MacAlister.

Rating:

“High Country Lager is a well-crafted brew that balances malt sweetness and earthy bitterness. The combination of Schooner, Amber, and Munich Malts with Ella and Mt Hood Hops creates a refreshing beer that’s perfect for any adventure.”

Glassware: Footed flute.

Appearance: Bold amber pour with a light and fluffy two finger head. Excellent retention and healthy lace work on the glass. We had a few pints of this at the Banjo Patterson Inn last week and were quite taken aback by the deep colour.

Aroma: It certainly strikes us as more of an amber lager. Not only does the colour give it away but the malt bill displays rich caramel, nutty and toasty characters. Really nicely paired with our very own Ella hops which in this brew imparts a rather floral, earthy and spicy set of aromas. Very well structured.

Flavour: Aahh takes us back to that first sip at the Banjo. The first thing that hits is the toasty and sweet malt profile which lays a magnificent foundation for the ensuing earthy and spicy hops to work off of. Very minimal bitterness through the mid as it all leads into a pretty crisp finish with lingering caramel, toast and spice on the back end.

Mouthfeel: Quite firm and chewy. Well rounded and with a slightly lower Co2. Medium body and a nicely positioned 4.7% ABV.

Overall: We like how they chose to take the amber lager route as opposed to a generic Aussie lager. It certainly adds more character. Can’t expect anything less from the creators of Kosciuszko Pale Ale we guess. Solid drop.

Rating:

“Part 2 of our busty blonde seris we have done a strong aussie larger filled with some homegrown hops. This blonde fits the profile of an Indian pale larger. Give us a wink if you enjoy.”

Glassware: Shaker.

Appearance: Bright and radiant golden pour with a light and fluffy three finger head perched on top. Good retention and lots of thick blotchy lace clinging to the glass as it retracts.

Aroma: Interesting one this. We bought it on the presumption that it was an Aussie interpretation of a Belgian blond but turns out it’s been classed by the brewers as an India pale lager. It does actually come across as more of an IPL than a blond! We get a dominant scent of candied passionfruit, lemon and lime, orange blossom, nuanced hints of stonefruit and canned peach. Some florals in there too. Semi sweet biscuit malt. Not sold on it yet.

Flavour: Hits far different here. JB’s signature cleanliness and the lager qualities come forth and the weird mix of fruit has taken a back seat. Delicate black pepper spiciness also getting amongst it. Still tasting some of the candied fruits and the canned peach as it rolls across the mid. A restrained bitterness develops late and helps set up the fairly clean, dry and grassy finish.

Mouthfeel: Crisp but with a bit of resistance. A slight chewiness there. Mild-medium body, slightly lower Co2. The 6% ABV plays a good role in the kinda heavier body.

Overall: Not sure about this one. We dig 9 out of 10 beers from these guys so this must be that one we’re not a fan of. Not digging the weird fruit flavours and the beer as a whole seems a bit untidy.

Rating:

“Using Ryefield hops, which are meticulously grown in Bemboka on the beautiful NSW South Coast, this beer embodies a deep connection to its local roots. It features high-quality malt sourced from Voyager Craft Malt, located in the fertile Riverina region of New South Wales. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this refreshing Golden Lager, crafted with care and attention to detail.”

Glassware: Jindy-branded tulip.

Appearance: Hits the glass with a magnificent deep golden hue capped off by a finger of fluffy white head. Good retention and lacing as we go.

Aroma: So pure and fresh. Surely due to the pristine snow-melt water they brew with. If the label looks familiar don’t worry, we took a double take too. JB has dropped the golden ale (along with the ABV) and have replaced it with this crisp golden lager in response to requests from their locals for a lower ABV beer due to the breweries position and the need to drive to visit. Anywho, we get an ester-driven fruitiness along with crisp herbal/grassy hops over a semi-sweet honey malt base. Exquisite.

Flavour: Just like the golden ale used to, this goes down like a dream. Crisp and fresh yet rather rich and complex. A hint of fruity esters, honeysuckle, herbal spice, mildew and a nuanced hint of pine needle. The perfect amount of bitterness kicks up midway and along with all the flavours listed above, finishes crisp and well rounded with good duration.

Mouthfeel: Clean and refreshing AF. Still holds a good consistency though. Medium body and a 4% ABV that certainly bats above its average.

Overall: We don’t think there could be any argument anymore…these guys take the crown as the best European style brewers in Australia. Hands down. Faultless.

Rating:

“Experience the essence of German tradition with our Festbier, a rich, pale lager created in our farming region from locally sourced grain. Embrace the robust maltiness, paying homage to the land’s agricultural bounty. Prost!”

Glassware: Half stein.

Appearance: A light and fluffy two finger head sits atop a pale golden body. There’s a subtle haze, good retention and lacing on the glass.

Aroma: The dichotomy between brewers is amazing. Recently we reviewed an 8 month old pilsner which was quite flat and lifeless. Here we have a pale lager at just over 7 months old and it still smells fresh and vibrant. Soft fruity notes, grassy, herbal and spicy with a fairly muscular malt body for a lager… biscuity and bready/crusty with delicate rice crackers getting a look in too. Solid.

Flavour: Really well structured and balanced hop to malt ratio. There’s a constant tussle for the attention of the taste buds. Very mild citrus fruits, semi-sweet honey, then grassy/herbal spice, bready/crusty malts, then into an earthy and grainy note before it punctuates on a clean, dry and grassy finish which lingers.

Mouthfeel: Crisp and light on, lively carbonation, mild-medium body. The 5.4% ABV hides its little of bit extra weight pretty well.

Overall: Another Cornella beer, another Cornella W. Even with 7 months on it she’s still tasting extremely good. Nice body, nice overall balance and vitality. Decent offering.

Rating:

“Savour the sun-soaked spirit of Mexico with Rancho Cerveza. A crisp and refreshing lager that transports you to the heart of the ranch. ¡Salud!”

Glassware: Tulip.

Appearance: Deep golden complexion with a finger of white head perched on top. It steadily reduced to a collar with minimal lace work on the glass.

Aroma: Pretty standard Mexi lager vibes from it. Uber light and refreshing with distinct notes of corn and maize, cereal grains, earthy hops, mildew/wet grass and water crackers. Just a hint of DMS and starchy vegetable accents coming through as it settles. Very basic aroma but it hits the nail on the head.

Flavour: It’s surprisingly full bodied for a mid-strength lager. Full flavoured too! Like the aroma, the kinda sweet and starchy corn and maize get us underway. A very gentle bitterness plus an earthy and slightly grassy hop profile adds the balance. The longer it sits on the palate the more biscuity it becomes…finishing with a touch of water crackers, unflavoured corn chips and oats.

Mouthfeel: Crisp and super clean but carrying a slightly bigger body than most other Mexi lagers we’ve tried previously. Co2 is perfect and the 3.5% ABV bats well above its average.

Overall: It’s a good interpretation of the style. The brewers have done a magnificent job packing the amount of depth and body it has while carrying such a low ABV. Another impressive offering by Cornella.

Rating:

“An experimental brew inspired by classic Japanese rice lagers (with a more modern hop-twist). Rice lagers are excellent for cleansing your palate between courses of a big delicious meal, but don’t take our word for it.”

Glassware: Shaker.

Appearance: Bright golden pour with a puffy two finger head resting atop. Gradual reduction, settling to a fine overlay which provides reasonable lace work on the glass.

Aroma: Smells incredible. Don’t know if it’s because we haven’t had a beer for a while or whether it’s just a cracking aroma. Probably a mix of both! The hop combo of Enigma, Topaz and Magnum is a masterstroke…Enigma, in our opinion, is Australia’s version of Nelson Sauvin, offering those delicate white wine/green grape and melon notes which works into the dry and grainy lager base magnificently.

Flavour: So supremely crushable. Again, the Enigma hops provide that white wine-like crispness with hints of grass, pine resin, citrus and unripened stone fruits in support. A gentle bitterness rolls over midway and leads into the clean, dry and slightly resinous finish which endures nicely on the back end.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, clean, light on. Mild-moderate body and carbonation. 4.2% ABV. Just straight up neck oil.

Overall: Highly enjoyable rice lager. The hop combo was a really good touch and the drink-ability was next level. We could so easily slam a 6 pack of these without even trying.

Rating:

“This dry hopped lager carries a slightly dank aroma along with gooseberry and citrus notes. With a clean light malt foundation the body rounds out with a citrus kick and a light bitterness to cleanse the palate. Crystal clear and crispy as hell, this little boi is an everyday crusher.”

Glassware: Tulip.

Appearance: Pale golden hue with two fingers of light and fluffy head over the top. It steadily reduces and leaves patchy lace as it subsides.

Aroma: Far from what we were expecting. In a good way of course! The can displays this somewhat trad and generic type lager but it’s anything but. It’s clearly jam-packed with NZ hops as it’s bursting with dank/weedy resin, green grapes, juicy citrus (orange, lime and ruby grapefruit), gooseberry, tropical fruits and an overall sense of lush greenery. Literally smells like a NZ IPA. Crazy.

Flavour: The lager qualities come through a bit more here, albeit subtly. Much like the aroma where the NZ hops pack a good punch on entry, providing those slightly dank/weedy resins, citrus and tart grape/gooseberry overtones. It dries out midway, where a soft bitterness leads into a dry, bitter and resinous finish. A hint of cereal grain on the back end, marking the first and last sign of a lager.

Mouthfeel: Yes it’s crisp but it also holds a good consistency. Mild-medium body, sparkling Co2. The 5% ABV is well positioned.

Overall: Lager or session IPA? If we didn’t know any better we’d probably choose the latter. Which is wild considering the style. Very pleasantly surprised with this one.

Rating:

“We’ve partnered with Five Senses Coffee to create the perfect brew for both beer and coffee lovers alike.  Brewed with their Crompton Road Blend, this smooth drop showcases the deep, roasted flavours of dark and chocolate malts with the invigorating kick of freshly brewed espresso.  Enjoy the drink-ability of a lager with the characteristic flavours of an espresso martini!”

Glassware: Half Stein.

Appearance: Almost totally black except for some light punching through at the base of the glass. It forms a thumb of loosely packed tan head which forms a collar. Scarce lacing as we go.

Aroma: Robust notes of coffee and roasted malt emanating. Bad Shepherd are well known for mastering the mid-darks (i.e brown ale, dark ale etc) so it’s no surprise that this is smelling the goods early on. The coffee almost has a chilli-like quality to it *quick check to see if any chilli was added – nope*. We’re liking it either way.

Flavour: Kind of like a much softer and watered down version of a coffee stout. That’s in no way a criticism it’s just how it drinks. It’s light on the palate but the coffee, vanilla, chocolate and delicate charred components are nice and direct. A good roasty bitterness underlines it all from start to finish as well.

Mouthfeel: As stated previously, it’s quite light on and crisp with mild-moderate body and carb. The 4.5% ABV is in line with the vibe of the beer.

Overall: Not bad for a black lager. It has really solid bones. Probably wouldn’t return to it but it was tasty enough to enjoy as a one-off.

Rating:

“Brewed in the Mountains, easy to drink everywhere. Using pure Blue Mountains water and hand-selected Australian ingredients for the ultimate crisp, smooth and refreshing lager.”

Glassware: Footed tulip.

Appearance: Bright, slightly pale golden pour with a big and frothy three finger head perched on top. Good retention and healthy lacing as we hook in.

Aroma: Smells incredibly crisp and fresh. Packaged on 18/7/24 so it’s literally only a few weeks old. Getting quite a notable corn/maize quality from it. Strong Mexi Lager vibes! Boiled veg, peppery spice, earthy and floral hop profile. Fairly starchy as well – raw potato, parsnip etc. A subtle hint of sulfur showing its freshness. Really nice.

Flavour: Again, giving off pretty strong Cerveza vibes with its distinct corn/DMS and maize accents. Vegetal, earthy/spicy, florals and soft sulfuric notes also come through. A moderate bitterness midway, balanced by a semi sweet malt bill which leads into a crisp and well rounded finish.

Mouthfeel: Light on, clean and dry. Mild-moderate body and Co2. The 4% ABV is quite low but this and the 355ml format allows the brewery to hit that 1 standard drink mark.

Overall: It’s not going to make anyone drop their dacks for another one but it does its job. It’s ultra crushable and full flavoured. Literally neck oil. Not bad.

Rating:

“Atlantico is the breweries second dip into the Gulf of Mexico. This time round we’ve upped the amount of corn and it truly shows itself in this beer. Atlantico is light in colour but huge on el sabor (flavour in Spanish). This lager has a whopping 25% corn mix which imparts sweet flavours upfront, is extremely smooth and finishes with sweet dry notes.”

Glassware: American pint.

Appearance: Bold golden-yellow pour with a finger of white foam atop. The head slowly peels off and forms a collar. Reasonable lacing in its wake.

Aroma: Displaying strong wafts of corn and other starchy vegetables like taro and raw sweet potato. Little flutters of fresh coriander and parsley along with subtle citrus notes here and there as well. Getting the grainy and slightly biscuity cereal malt base…corn flakes and rolled oats coming through the most. Not a bad aroma at all.

Flavour: The corn/maize flavours are even more pronounced here. The beer description states that 25% of the grain bill is corn and we’re tasting every bit of it. Still, with that said, it manages to keep well balanced and offers crisp cereal malts and a subtle citrus and herbal hop profile. Just the right amount of bitterness through the middle and a clean finish to punctuate.

Mouthfeel: Light on, crisp, refreshing. Lightly sparkling Co2. Mild-moderate body and the 4.8% ABV is spot on for the style.

Overall: A really well structured Mexi Lager. It’s not really the right time of year for one but it was still highly enjoyable on this unseasonably warm Sydney winter arvo. Solid.

Rating:

NO COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION

Glassware: American pint.

Appearance: Super pale light golden pour with a thumb of snow white head. It eventually peels off and leaves wavy lace in its wake.

Aroma: Crisp maxxing. Ultra light and refreshing notes of champagne-esque lemon, zesty lime, fresh herbs like coriander and oregano and just the slightest lick of corn/maize – it comes off more like raw corn cob as opposed to the usual creamed and boiled versions. We kinda prefer it like this too, it’s not as heavy and suits the delicate nature of the beer. More subtle notes of rice crackers and semi sweet honey malt as well. Nice.

Flavour: Liking this straight off the bat. Again it’s ultra crisp, refreshing notes of zesty lemon and lime, fresh herbals and some super subtle cereal grains. The raw corn/maize qualities positioned nicely on the flank. Very mild bitterness midway, leading into an unbelievably easy finish with gentle citrus and herbals drawing out.

Mouthfeel: As we’ve said a hundred times already – it’s crisp, refreshing, light on. Light-moderate body and the 4.2% ABV is right on.

Overall: We weren’t actually expecting too much from this but it’s right up there with some of the better Mexi Lagers we had during the summer. Solid drop.

Rating:

“Budvar Original Czech Lager in 500mL cans is the epitome of Czech brewing heritage. The O.G. Budweiser boasts a rich historical pedigree, offering a perfect golden hue with prominent malt aromas and flavours. With each sip your palate is treated to a delightful interplay of big maltiness and mild bitterness, making it obvious why this beer is considered one of the best lagers in the world. With over 700 years of brewing excellence, each sip delivers a refreshing, crisp experience that defines the greatness of this Lager beer.”

Glassware: Footed flute.

Appearance: Strikingly bold golden amber and probably one of the clearest beers we’ve ever seen. You could literally read a book through the glass. A thumb of frothy white head on top gradually recedes and settles to a fine film. Not a great deal of lace but enough to detail the glass on its way down.

Aroma: Pure European Lager goodness. We recall on very fond memories at an institution of a venue named The River Inn at Thredbo. We used to finish the day with at least 3 or 4 pints of this and there was no other beer that could beat it. The glory of Saaz! Herbal, earthy, spicy, grassy. Just the right amount of boiled veg/creamed corn. Plus it has the right amount of sweetness and grain from the malt too.

Flavour: Liquid gold. Pretty much a mirror image of the aroma – Noble hop spiciness, herbals, florals and earth balanced by the crisp sweetness and delicate savoury notes of the malt. The perfect amount of bitterness from the beginning all the way through to the clean and snappy finish.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, clean and light on. Still offers something to chew on which we love. Mild-moderate body, perfectly carbed. The 5% ABV is right on the money too.

Overall: Hands down one of the best Lagers in the world. Nothing else needs to be said.

Rating:

“Open Your Eyes is a Mexican lager that captures the essence of a sun-soaked summer day. Brewed with maize, it radiates a clear pale yellow hue, offering a crisp and refreshing cerveza experience. With mild bitterness, it’s the perfect choice on a hot summer afternoon, a beer that invites you to savour the sunshine.”

Glassware: American pint.

Appearance: Fizzy two and a half finger white head forms over a clear pale golden body. Good retention and a lot of patchy lace as it subsides.

Aroma: Doing all those good craft Mexi Lager things – nice balance of maize/creamed corn against the rather spicy and citrusy hop backdrop. We’re digging the use of CTZ hops (fun fact: CTZ isn’t actually a single hop it’s a trio of Columbus, Tomahawk and Zeus) as it’s also bringing some added herbal/weedy, soft pine and evergreen qualities. Dry and delicate cereal grains coming through too.

Flavour: Drinks a lot like Corona. Only far better. Come to think of it, it’s probably the closest to Balter’s expression on the craft side of things. Crisp and refreshing entry. The maize and creamed corn accents are front and centre. The hops do a solid job of balancing it out though…providing gentle spiciness and citric acidity as it rolls into a nice and easy finish that entertains the right amount of bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Crisp and light on. Mild-moderate body and carb. The 4.5% ABV is right on the money.

Overall: It’s better than Corona so that’s a good start. We think it’s also better than Balter’s version too but at $10 a tinny it’s a little steep. It is 440ml so we’ll concede that. In summation we’re not completely sold on it but it’s a very quaffable drop.

Rating:

“Our Mexican inspired lager, ready for days by the beach.  Is there anything better than a sip of an ice cold beer on a hot day? Wedge is brewed for hot days on the Beaches. Grab an ice cold cerveza, brewed with heaps of corn and traditional Vienna malt for the authentic, light, crisp lager flavour and hopped with Aussie and NZ hops for some citrus zing.”

Glassware: American pint.

Appearance: Bright golden pour capped off with a light and fluffy white head. Excellent retention and lots of thick sudsy lace decorating the glass as it ebbs.

Aroma: Super crisp and refreshing on this unseasonably warm Autumn arvo. We’re really liking the subtle undertone of corn/maize and the mix of new world citrusy hops which not only provides ample balance but the citrus acidity that a Mexican Lager begs for. Also picking up a clean malt bill of water crackers, cereal grains and delicate earthiness.

Flavour: It has a slightly richer malt profile than other interpretations but we like it – it’s a soft biscuit character but it stays light and clean. The citrusy and herbal hops weave through the malts beautifully and again, like the aroma, the corn/maize qualities are delicate and play more of a support role. A hint of bitterness develops late and helps set up the clean refreshing finish.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, clean and mineraly. Light-moderate body. 4.6% ABV is spot on. So ridiculously crushable.

Overall: Definitely one of the better Cerveza’s we’ve had over the summer. It won’t knock Sunday Road off the top spot but it comes in at an easy 2nd though. This was our first crack at Freshwater Brewing too! Nice way to kick off proceedings.