This is one of those times where I'm a little confused as to where I should put quotation marks for the name of this beer. As far as I can tell, all of the things listed are necessary, and they are all descriptors of the type of beverage. I wasn't going to put Icelandic in quotes, and Arctic obviously isn't the name of the beer. So I'm just gonna let things fall where they may. If any pedant wants to complain about it, you are probably not reading this blog. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one.
This lager from Iceland pours a somewhat hazy gold with an average amount of head that is not properly captured in this picture. For some reason, I wasn't fully prepared to take the picture the time I poured the beer, but that shouldn't affect the taste. The incomplete cap of small bubbles covers most of the beer and clings to the side very well for a lager, but I won't be getting any lacing. The aroma is very faint, but it is a bread malt.First sip is a whole lot different than I expected. Based on the presentation and the nose, I expected this to be a simple lager. After I took the first sip, I looked at the label and noticed that this was dry hopped. It is self-evident that it is dry hopped. The hops are somewhat dusty, but they are filled with citrus fruits that lay on top of the malt in a way that is peculiar to a bottom fermented beer. It's stunning, but a sip won't tell me if it's good.
Tip-in is lager bread malt with citrus sprayed on top, and it is still hanging in the air to mingle with the light carbonation. The middle brings an abrasive increase in carbonation with the citrus rinds adding to the uncomfortableness at the roof of the mouth while the bread malt gets soaked by citrus below. The finish is a snap of cold that leaves bitterness hanging in the air for the trail off.
Bottom Line: It is a unique take on a lager, and I can't say I don't like it.
3.25/5