Friday, August 24, 2007

Brew Review: Rogue Kells Irish Style Lager

Rogue Kells Irish Style Lager (Oregon)
Appearance (0 to 4 stars): 4. Straight into the glass, it is active and fizzly. As it settles, though, the golden brown color comes out, and the fizz hides. It becomes murky and rich.

Aroma: 3. This aroma was pleasant, sharp. Not a big lager fan, though, so it's nothing to fall in love with.

Flavor: 3.5. Nice and refreshing when it's cold. No funky aftertaste, just a very clean, hoppy, even bitter taste that goes down nicely.

Texture: 3.5. Love the fizz.

Drinkability: 3.5. This is good cold, but not so great warm. The bitterness kicks in as it warms.

Overall score: 17.5.

Cost: $5.75 at The Wine Store, McCully. 22 oz.

On the label: 7 Ingredients: Great Western Pale, Crystal-15, Wheat & Acidulated Malts: Sterling Hops, Free Range Coastal Waters & Czech Pils Yeast.
NO CHEMICALS, PRESERVATIVES, OR ADDITIVES.
Irish Style Lager with a smooth mellow flavor and an apple crisp finish

Summary: As good a lager as I've ever had, but I only want it on a hot day. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I had this bottle first, before the other eight or nine that were purchased yesterday. It was great that the young ladies at The Wine Store were so helpful and insightful. In fact, Kells wasn't even on the shelf. One of the ladies went to the supply room in back to bring me this bottle. She said there were just two left. Lucky me!

See more at the Rogue Brewery site.

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