Lawsons Lager

At 5.0% ABV and 18 IBU, this Vermont lager from Lawsons sits at the gentle end of the bitterness scale. An IBU in the high teens is well below what most pale ales and IPAs reach, so hop bitterness works as a light snap at the finish, not as the main flavor. Lagers at this strength and bitterness typically lead with soft grain: expect cracker or fresh-bread malt, a faint sweetness, and a clean, dry close, with little of the fruity ester character an ale yeast would add. That restraint makes it a flexible table beer. The low bitterness won't fight with salty or fried food, so it suits pizza, wings, fish and chips, soft pretzels, and grilled sausages. It also handles mildly spicy dishes such as tacos or chicken with a light chili rub, where the carbonation and low hop level cool the heat without clashing. Mild cheeses like cheddar or Havarti and roast chicken are natural matches as well. Serve it cold, around 38 to 42°F (3 to 6°C). Lagers show their crispness at this temperature, while warming much past 45°F tends to push the malt sweetness forward and flatten the finish. A standard pint glass or a tall pilsner glass works well, and a straight-sided glass keeps the carbonation lively and builds a modest head. Pour at a slight angle, straighten the glass as it fills, and drink it fresh. Lagers like this are made for easy drinking, not for long aging.