Mellow Johnny
Brewery: Hi Sign
Style: American Lager (1B)
Package: 12oz Can
Purchased: Whichcraft, June, 2019
Packaged Date: Illegible
Consumed Date: June 20, 2019
Details From the Brewer
ABV: 5%
Collaboration between Mellow Johnny’s bike shop and Hi Sign Brewery
Review
Aroma – 9/12
A low sweetness and low grainy character hit the nose first. A very low apple ester is also present. Very low corn or vegetal character. Maybe a slight earthy hop character peak out as it warms. No noticeable alcohol.
Appearance – 3/3
Pours a straw yellow liquid. Excellent clarity. The head is composed of medium ivory bubbles that stick around with below average retention.
Flavor – 12/20
A touch of bready and grainy malt notes at the front of the taste. This is joined by a low sweetness. A slight fruity ester comes out in the mid-taste. Towards the finish, a moderate bitterness comes out. Some grainy character lingers in the mouth with a low minerality on the finish. Very low papery oxidation character as it warmed.
Mouthfeel – 2/5
Medium carbonation. A light body. Some astringency lingers in the mouth on the finish. Low alcohol warmth.
Overall Impression – 6/10
A light sessionable beer. With nothing offensive, it’s a very drinkable lager. To really nail the style, it needs more carbonation. The bitterness is a bit higher than the style as well, without much residual sugars to balance it out. That might help town down the astringency. The fermentation esters were a bit high for my liking as well.
Rating – 32/50
This does a great job of nailing a pre/post bike ride beer. While it’s light on flavor, neither the hops or malt are out of balance. The higher than normal bitterness is really what drives it more towards the pilsner category.
