4a American Dark Lager

Aroma

Little to no malt aroma. Medium-low to no roast and caramel malt aroma. Hop aroma may range from none to light spicy or floral hop presence. Hop aroma may range from none to light, spicy or floral hop presence. Can have low levels of yeast character (green apples, DMS, or fruitiness). No diacetyl.

Appearance

Deep amber to dark brown with bright clarity and ruby highlights. Foam stand may not be long lasting, and is usually light tan in color.

Flavor

Moderately crisp with some low to moderate levels of sweetness. Medium-low to no caramel and/or roasted malt flavors (and may include hints of coffee, molasses or cocoa). Hop flavor ranges from none to low levels. Hop bitterness at low to medium levels. No diacetyl. May have a very light fruitiness. Burnt or moderately strong roasted malt flavors are a defect.

Mouthfeel

Light to somewhat medium body. Smooth, although a highly-carbonated beer.

Impression

A somewhat sweeter version of standard/premium lager with a little more body and flavor.

Comments

A broad range of international lagers that are darker than pale, and not assertively bitter and/or roasted.

Ingredients

Two- or six-row barley, corn or rice as adjuncts. Light use of caramel and darker malts. May use coloring agents.