La Verdad

Brewery: Austin Beerworks
Style:   International Pale Lager (2A)
Package: 12oz Can
Purchased: Tech Ridge HEB, June, 2019
Canned Date: May 29, 2019
Consumed Date: July 28, 2019

Details From the Brewer

ABV: 5.6%

What do you get when you combine German and Mexican cutlures?  It’s not just a love of accordion solos.  Using Uberpremium German pilsner malt and a touch of Muchopremium corn for character we brew this light Mexican-style lager as a celebration of our Texas Hill Country cultures.  Light, sessionable and ready to party, it’s liquid Tejano in a very cool can.

Review

Aroma – 10/12

Corn dominates the aroma at a medium intensity.  There are hints of barley as well.  Some bready and grainy malt character come through.  Clean fermentation character, with no alcohol detected.  Barely detectable is a light spicy hop note as it warms.

Appearance – 3/3

A thick stark white head stands tall made up off small and medium bubbles.  It slowly fades with great retention, leaving some lacing.  The liquid is a light gold color with amazing clarity.

Flavor – 13/20

The flavor is grist dominated like the aroma.  Medium levels of corn with a lower grainy, husky flavor.  A low bitterness kicks in towards the midtaste, but a noticeable sweetness is also present.  A very low peppery hop character adds a touch of complexity.  The finish is crisp, with some of the malt and corn character lingering.

Mouthfeel – 5/5

Medium bodied with a bit of creaminess.  Medium carbonation. Very low alcohol warmth in the throat.  No astringency.

Overall Impression – 8/10

A very drinkable pale lager.  I really liked the mouthfeel on this, while it still was able to pull off a crisp finish.  While the pilsner malt was a bit subdued, the corn/maize was showcased.  A bit more carbonation and lowering the sweetness a bit would bump this up into the outstanding range for the style.

Rating – 39/50

To no surprise, La Verdad is a well executed lager.  We’ve seen a breakout of these craft brewery imitation Mexican light lagers in Austin lately.  Compared to American Lagers, it has a bit more bitterness to it, but the malt and corn character is more pronounced.  It’s very drinkable, and should be a popular summer standard for folks.  For me the balance on this one is a bit too sweet.  If I’m looking to go for a whole six pack, I’d probable snag a Helles instead!