This International Pale Lager captures a refined, modern crispness through the use of rice to lighten the body and sharpen the finish. The sensory experience is led by the HRC-004 hops, which impart a delicate bouquet of wild blossoms, hints of lemon zest, and a subtle, herbal spice. The malt profile is lean and clean, reflecting a dry, highly attenuated character typical of a rice lager. It presents a refreshing, sparkling effervescence and a snappy bitterness, culminating in a pristine, short finish that invites another sip, perfectly balancing Hop Butcher's hop-forward philosophy with the restraint of a classic lager.
Appearance.Pale straw (2-3 SRM). Brilliant clarity with a bright white, frothy head that displays moderate retention and fine lacing.
Aroma.Moderate intensity with a very clean fermentation profile. Low grainy-malt character with a neutral, crackery quality. The hop character is prominent for the style, featuring floral, herbal, and light citrus notes driven by the HRC-004 variety.
Taste.Initial impression is very crisp and dry. Low levels of neutral, grainy-malt flavor with a distinct rice-adjunct lightness. Hop flavor is medium-low, echoing the floral and spicy herbal aroma. Bitterness is medium-low, providing a clean balance against the lean malt. The finish is snappy, well-attenuated, and bone-dry with a short, neutral aftertaste.
Mouthfeel.Light body with a crisp, thin texture. Highly carbonated, producing a lively carbonic bite on the tongue. No perceived alcohol warmth or astringency.