On my way home from a visit with Frosty the other day, he handed me several bottles of beer that had been sitting around unconsumed for so long that he couldn’t bring himself to taste them. Personally, I think leaving any beer untasted is an unthinkable affront to a brew master somewhere, whose craft should be treated with respect, reverence, and an empty glass. In other words, I’ll drink anything. Fortunately, Frosty knows this and knew that his hand me down brews wouldn’t go to waste. How right he was!

In some respects I’m reluctant to write a review on a beer whose characteristics likely changed during an extended period of improper storage. However, this beer was GOOD and deserves to be mentioned. The best way to describe it would an “un” pale ale. Going beyond the obvious (it’s a lager not an ale), the beer was dark like a brown ale, smooth and maltly like a stout, and carried the aroma of cascade hops with virtually no bitterness. The aroma of the hops carried through the actual drinking of the beer leaving you with a pleasant after taste that was more of a memory than an actual flavor.  Topped with a firm silky head, this beer deserved better than to be poured unceremoniously into a paper cup. Oh well, who knew I was going to like it. I was just thirsty.

I would love to know what this beer tasted like when it was fresh.  Maybe I’ll find one someday.   At least I know that if I don’t like it that way I can bury it in my hot garage for a few years and have a diamond for my trouble.