The burgeoning brewmance with all things lager has clearly not passed by the regional Victorian town of Koroit. Although, in fairness, Noodledoof have long had a tasty helles as part of their core range and have pumped out the odd pilsner too. For summer 2023, however, Alex and Sam have stepped things up, releasing two lagers taking inspiration from different parts of the world at once.
Starting with the lighter, lower-in-ABV of the pair you have Rice Lager, a beer that couldn't be much more easy to knock back if it was facing Mike Tyson in his early 20s prime. Inspired by the rice lagers of Japan, albeit featuring Mandarina Bavaria hops from Germany, it pours ingot gold and clear as: an indication of the experience that lies ahead. There's a flicker of floral / citrus hops but mainly it's about the crisp, cracker-like malt character, with the dry rather than bitter finish demanding you crack into another.
Vastly different in appearance yet not much less knockbackable is Schwarzbier, their take on the classic German dark lagers. It delivers its dusty cocoa meets dark chocolate flavours more subtly than the dark brown colour and tan head suggest. And, with the hops served up soft and lightly spicy, you have yourself another easy drinker for summer sessions.
James Smith
Published January 30, 2023 2023-01-30 00:00:00
