The deep amber-to-copper colored beer is hazy and topped with a nominal white head that could fool me into believing that it was thick and patchy, if I hadn't been the one who poured it and realized that there wasn't much head at all. The aroma is malty and smells faintly of corn, which is pretty odd, I think, and I am questioning my own nose.First sip is certainly inoffensive. It is malt heavy and generally sweet with heavy graininess and light earth. I can't really taste any hops, but I suspect there is a lot more going on in there than a stupid sip would tell. I'm not even sure why my process HAS a sip anymore, as I usually grade beers based on the full gulp. This is like judging a race horse based on the way it walks rather than its speed.
Tip-in is mild carbonation burn with grains and grass blowing in the breeze. The middle is... almost nothing. Where the west coast IPAs have a unique style and flavor, the west coast lagers appear to be as watery as their macro-brew brethren. I mean, this middle may as well be water with some wheat or malt mixed in a touch. The finish brings a stronger flavor back with an unexpected and irrational wave of bitterness when the bread, fruits, and grass hit pretty hard.
Bottom Line: Not my can of beer. Well, I mean, I bought it, so it's mine, but it's not what I want.
1.75/5
