Pale, Low to Medium ABV, Malt Forward

American Lager, International Pale Lager, Cream Ale, Kölsch, Festbier

Pabst Blue Ribbon, Heineken, Red Stripe, Kiwanda Cream Ale, Reissdorf Kölsch, Weihenstephaner Festbier, Hofbraü Oktoberfestbier

• Cream Ale: the only beer in this lineup with upfront American hop aroma and flavor (like a lighter version of an American Pale Ale or more full bodied American Blonde Ale). Medium-low bitterness.

• PBR vs Heineken vs Red Stripe: PBR and Heineken were lighter in color than Red Stripe. The dominant notes in PBR were rice and nuttiness with almost no perceivable bitterness. Heineken’s dominant notes were Cheerios/cereal and nuttiness; very low detectable bitterness. Red Stripe was very nutty with little detectable bitterness and an effervescent disappear-in-your-mouth finish.

• Kölsch: darker malt profile than the above beers with medium bitterness; no Cheerio/cereal/grain dust aroma.  

• Festbier: Cheerio/cereal/grain dust forward aroma and flavor; medium bitterness. Festbier vs Kölsch was the hardest for me in this lineup, but eventually I could get it correct based upon aroma alone- that Cheerio clue really works for me. I also often perceive acetaldehyde/green apple vibes from the German imports that have Cheerio notes.