It’s the first spring weekend of the year. And the weather is amenable, so I’ve scrubbed down the grill, tried out a dry up on some pork cutlets, and open up a beer.
As usual, this is a beer that has been sent to me for my comment. And also as usual, it’s from Lagunitas Brewing Co., which labors under the idea that I am an “influencer”. Well, I don’t want to go find for sure, because that might ruin things for me.
Anyway, this beer is a new spring-time entry, made in collaboration with Moonlight Brewing, which is also located in Lagunitas’ home of Sonoma County, CA.
Secret Agenda is described as a “Pale Bock Beer.” Using Enigma hops from Australia, plus Fantasia and Sterling. It’s brewed with lager yeast, and pretty strong at 7.1% abv.
First of all, I got a light, golden standard color beer pour, under a very pillowy head. The beer looks just a little darker, though, than the average Pilsener, so Bock we shall call it.
The nose has some lager malts to it, and a bit of the soft water profile that would still be part of a Pilsener batch.
Finding a way to describe the taste, though, is a little difficult. It is malty, but not very grainy or sweet. Hoppiness is not the usual assault on the tongue, but a restrained note. There’s a hint of papaya and even some of the pepper of a noble hop.
This is a very ‘bright’ dopplebock. Easy to drink, with a malty aftertaste. Just turns little rough around the edges slightly toward the end.
Filed under: Beer Review
Tags: Beer review, Lagunitas
Chicago's Favorite Food Critics and Bloggers
