Beer Stats

• Packaging: 12 oz. Can
• BJCP Style: American Light Lager
• ABV: 4.2%
• Hops Variety:  Saphir, Hallertau Blanc
• Malts Variety: Pilsner Malt
• Brewery:  Creature Comforts Brewing – Athens, GA
• Beer Connoisseur Rating: None

LUDB Tasting Notes

• Bitterness Level:  None*
• Drinkability:
  • Would I buy it again? Yes
  • Would I stock it? Yes

Appearance:  Pale straw color, fluffy white head with moderate head retention

Aroma:  Very light grainy malt and lemongrass hops aromas

Flavor & Aftertaste: Light herbal, grassy flavors, hint of lemon.  Low malt sweetness. No bitterness at all.

Palate:  Low carbonation. Light mouth feel with a short, dry finish.

Balance & Drinkability: Light, no bitterness. Not too sweet.  Finishes crisp and refreshing.

Commentary

Big Beer American breweries have established a well-earned reputation for bland, watery light lagers – no hops aromas or flavors and loaded with rice or corn adjuncts.  The description we see most often is “lawn mower beer”.  The question is, do these light lagers have a place in craft beer?  I say yes they do; as long as they can be done with a high degree of quality.  But can it be done and what would be a good example of a quality American light lager by a craft beer brewery.  Enter Classic City Lager by Creature Comforts Beer Co. out of Athens, GA.

First, a bit of a caveat. If you only like big, hoppy IPAs or malty dark beers, you are not likely to enjoy Classic City Lager.  As Creature Comforts readily describes in its press release, this beer is targeted at the light lager drinker as a sort of entry point to broader craft beer offerings.  CCB’s description:

“Classic City Lager is a clean, crisp, and easy-drinking lager with an ABV of 4.2%. The beer is brewed to be a highly drinkable lager that can serve as both an entry into craft beer for new consumers as well as a staple product in the fridge for those who love craft beer and sometimes want an uncomplicated, simple, and delicious lager.”

Having the proper perspective, and by extension the proper expectation, on this style of beer makes a world of difference in your enjoyment.  Fortunately, CCB delivers spot on with their description. Classic City Lager pours a light straw color with a fluffy white head of medium retention.  It exhibits very light, yet pleasant herbal and lemongrass aromas. Virtually no malt aromas – maybe a hint of grains.  The beer has a light, mouthfeel with no bitterness start to finish.  It repeats similar light spicy, herbal notes in the flavor profile.  Without any bitterness, you would expect it to be overly sweet; but this is not the case, as it finishes short, crisp, and dry.

I dislike the description “lawn mower beer” because it gives an impression of poor quality; which does not describe Classic City Lager at all.  It is made from quality malt, Saphir and Hallertau Blanc hops, with a bit of flaked wheat.  What you will not find in it, unlike its Big Beer cousins, is rice or corn adjuncts. This results in a well-crafted, lager that is perfect for those hot summer days when you seek something light and refreshing.  Another positive is, with a relatively low ABV of 4.2%, it is quite sessionable.

As you would expect, Classic City Lager has quickly become a favorite of mine for the hot humid summer and early fall months in Atlanta. You’ll always find some stocked in my fridge.  Instead of “lawn mower beer”, I much prefer CCB’s tag line “Good, Cold Beer”.  If you are headed to the beach, lake or just relaxing on the back deck this summer, grab a six or twelve pack to share and enjoy!  Cheers!

Thanks for reading, until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!

*Bitterness Scale: None, Restrained, Moderate, Aggressive, & Excessive s