Bitburger Brauerei (with Sierra Nevada Brewing Company) – Triple Hop’d Lager

Stylistically, we think the best category for this one is India Pale Lager, as it has far more hop and even malt character than a typical American-style lager. The biggest focus here are the American hop varieties, Centennial, Chinook, and Cascade – the latter grown in Germany’s Eifel region, but Bitburger’s signature Siegelhopfen blend plays a notable role, too. On the pour, this lager presents a golden-copper hue, capped by a fluffy head of off-white foam. We found the aroma quite interesting, with floral citrus notes predominating with touches of herbal pine, backed up by a certain earthy and spicy noble hop impression which adds a subtler dimension, all while a dash of caramelized malt lurks below. The story continues in much the same way on the palate where bright American hops offer their herbal, citric, floral notes which meld into subtler earthy, hay-like secondary tones. Hop bitterness comes through medium-firm and is supported well by the malt backbone offering touches of light caramel, mild breadiness, and a hint of residual sweetness. But, the hops are the stars of this Triple Hop’d Lager, drying things out nicely and lingering in the finish with a bit of herbal acidity. For pairing options, pungent or earthy cheeses are a good call, in addition to burgers, spicy pizzas, grilled chicken or pork, or well-spiced fish or shellfish dishes. Prost!