Forst Lager

Forst Lager comes as a six-pack of bottles from Esplanda in Massachusetts, and it sits in the lager category. The details on file give no ABV, IBU or tasting notes, so what follows describes what lagers of this type usually deliver rather than a measured profile of this bottling. Expect a clean, bottom-fermented beer: a light to medium body, a soft cereal or bread-crust malt note, restrained floral or herbal hop character, and a dry, crisp finish with modest bitterness. Fermentation at cool temperatures keeps fruity esters low, so the beer tends to taste straightforward and refreshing. At the table, a lager like this works best with food that benefits from a palate cleanser. Grilled sausages, burgers, roast chicken, fish and chips, tacos and pizza are all natural matches, since carbonation and a clean finish cut through fat and salt without competing with the food. Mild cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well. Heavily spiced dishes are better paired with a beer you chose for contrast, but a lager handles moderate heat reasonably well. Serve it cold, though not frozen. A range of about 38 to 45°F suits most lagers: cold enough to feel crisp, warm enough that the malt and hop aromas are still detectable. A glass is better than the bottle for aroma. A pilsner flute or tall pint glass shows off the color and keeps the foam head in place, while a standard shaker pint is fine for casual drinking. Pour at a slight angle, straighten the glass as it fills, and leave about a finger of foam to release the aromatics. A clean, rinsed glass makes a noticeable difference to head retention. Because the six-pack format makes it easy to keep a few in the fridge, this lager suits informal meals, cookouts and sharing. Store the bottles upright and away from light and heat, since lagers are particularly sensitive to light exposure, and drink them fresh for the cleanest flavor.