Beer Stats
Container: 12 Oz. Can
ABV: 5.4%
CraftBeer.Com Style: American Amber Lager
Brewer: Arches Brewing, Hapeville, GA

Ratebeer: 3.3 of 5
Beer Advocate: 4.2 of 5
Untapped: 3.6 of 5

LUDB Notes:

• Bitterness Level:  Low
• Drinkability:
  • Would I purchase again?  Yes
  • Would I stock it?  Yes
  • Comments:  Well balanced, crisp & refreshing

Lagers are making a strong comeback.  Craft brewers are wisely trying to broaden the appeal of beers across a wider spectrum of potential consumers.  With offerings like Arches Brewing Southside Lager, they are going to continue to make strong progress.  This is a beer you have to ignore some of the ratings on sites like Rate Beer, because most of the reviews are fans of big Ales.  It is a Lager the way Lagers are supposed to be.

Southside Lager comes in a 12 oz. can.  I admit to not being a big fan of beer in the can.  I prefer bottles, not because it tastes better, but because the bottles stay colder longer.  That being said, I poured this beer into a Lager glass.  It pours clear amber with a big, frothy white head.  Lots of carbonation.  It has a nice light caramel malts and grassy hops nose with a surprising hint of spice.  Then comes the pleasant surprise.  It has a terrific balance between light sweet malts and mild hops.

It’s interesting, when I read the reviews of Lagers, especially European style, on many beer blogs, the reviewer comments include complaints of a lack of “kick”.  I really don’t think these reviewers understand what certain Lagers are supposed to taste like.  Many old world Lagers are supposed to be balanced, even have a more malts lean.  They are not supposed to taste like an IPA or other hopped up Ales.  Some craft brewers are adding more bittering hops to their Lagers;  however,  just because a beer doesn’t knock the top off the IBU scale does not make it a bad beer.  There are some outstanding Lagers out there and Arches Brewing got it right with Southside Lager.  For someone looking for a smooth, crisp non-Ale with subtle complexities, I highly recommend Arches Southside Lager.  Give it a try, you’ll like it.