Another in the First Growth series. 650 mL bottle in the usual Chatoe Rogue First Growth presentation. $5.99, Arbor Place Beverage, Douglasville, GA, USA.

Good looking pour. Slight chill haze forms that clears quickly as the beer warms. Nice looking frothy, bubbly, white head with some decent lace and retention. Forms a small white collar on the golden surface.

Nose and tastes offer plenty of dry cracker malts and some decent alcohol. Grain comes through strongly (as it should) and is backed up with a touch of bread in the back end of the nose.

The beer delivers nicely in all aspects. Crisp, clean and gentle dryness in the finish. Light, hoppy aftertaste completes the package.

Some light citrus seems to be there, but I wonder sometimes if I’m imagining lemongrass in some Pilsners! The ‘Rogue Micro Hopyard Liberty’ hop is not one that I’m especially familiar with(!), and for me it doesn’t bite hard like a Saaz finish would. In that respect the beer comes up a touch short for me. The lack of that bitter bite in the finish takes it a little out the true style for me, but it’s still a tasty beer. More vegetal notes flow in the end than I would like or want, but it’s still a refreshing beer that I enjoyed and they didn’t detract too much for me.

Maybe not a classic example of the style, but served cold it looked good and satisfied a need. Worth a try, if somewhat pricey.