216: Hopfenmalz

I really like the idea of this beer, which is supposed to be a hoppy, malty, lager. In the brewery’s own words:

Hopfenmalz incorporates the elegant drinkability of a Pilsner, the bready maltiness of a Vienna Lager, and the hopping of a Pale Ale. The malty backbone is beautifully balanced by a bright, citrusy hop aroma and bitterness. Then we lagered it for an extended period of time to give it a crisp, dry finish.

Personally, I found it to be a really confused taste experience, more like what you’d get if you mixed an amber and some IPA made with European hops. The two flavors didn’t really work together, and I felt like they were at war on my tongue. And the smell of the hops was … European hops, but somehow made gross and artificial.

Kind of a bummer way to celebrate the brewery’s 150th anniversary.

Beer Name: Hopfenmalz
Brewer: August Schell Brewing
Price: FREE (Gift from Emily)
Sampled: August 4, 2010
Rating: 1/5
Notes: There’s a bit of sweet malt back there, but it’s overshadowed by lots of dry, stinky, soapy hops. And not in a good way. A schizophrenic beer.
ABV: N/A
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Bottle.