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!
