Ok, if you read this blog there is a good chance you are either a beer geek or a beer snob. Either way, American Lagers really don’t seem to sit well with either crowd. Geeks do seem a bit more forgiving seeing as snobs usually only like specific beers, styles, or big beers. Geeks tend to, for the most part, accept beers for what they are. Since the American lager, American Light Lager, and American Premium Lager (all to most people seem the same, and really they are quite close) for the most part don’t offer up the complex malt, yeast, or hop flavors and aromas the truest of beer lovers seek out. So generally these beers sit on the shelf waiting for Mr. Busch Light fan to make the step out of the box, or the wannabe beer geek who wants something that looks dangerous but really just offers him or her the comfort of a Budweiser. But in my opinion, even the American lager styles have their place. Here I am going to review August Schell Brewing Co against the Premium American Lager category. Addition: The reason I am putting “An Honest Review” of Grain Belt, is because after finishing my review I started reading others reviews of the same beer and it seems that there are many people who automatically hated this beer even before trying it. Again, it’s that beer snobbery that “American lagers suck because they don’t have tons of malt and/or hops” type of attitude that I feel a true beer lover needs to try to overcome. I admit, I was one of those guys myself early in my discovery of good beer. But judging in competition gave me a new appreciation of how hard those styles can be to produce just right.

First I want to comment on the bottle, a clear bottle is not a good thing for a beer (Miller Genuine Draft aside with their modified hops). I am just glad I bought this in a 12 pack that was in a fully enclosed box. But off the pour the beer is a nice light gold and crystal clear. There is a lot of carbonation and the beer appears very effervescent. There is a stiff mousey head that is very white. As the beer sat, the head remained as a solid 1/8″ cap on the beer. That’s quite impressive.(3)

The aroma actually has some spicy hop flair. There is some sweet  malt as well as some corn in the nose. What is most impressive is that the hop character is in no way hidden. It is quite evident right off the first sniff. There may be some low lying levels of DMS, but I’ll be honest and say that to me it’s more corn character than that canned corn aroma you get from DMS.  I am quite impressed so far.(10)

The flavor is a touch sweet and corny. Very easy drinking with a nice spicy hop flavor through the middle with a soft and subtle bitter finish that fades quickly. Although the carbonation in the beer offers a crisp feel while drinking, that part fades quickly with the sweetness. The sweetness lingers quite a while and to me is obviously from corn as an adjunct (which is OK per style). The style guidelines state that this beer should be even, and it is. A great balance between malt and hops, I just wish it would finish a bit dryer.(12)

The mouthfeel is medium and carbonation is high, as it should be per style. There is no astringency and overall very nice. (4)

Ok, overall for what this beer is, it is excellent.  The sweetness is just slightly off-putting, but all in all this is a very easy drinking summer beer I can live with. I can honestly say that I will buy this beer again and possibly stock it for my family that drinks what they call “Light Beer”. It may not be my personal flavor of choice, but the obvious hop presence and malt flavor makes this beer a winning choice for my go to American Lager without a doubt. (8)

I give it  a 37 which to me can be either a B+ or A- depending on mood.