Straub 1872 Pre-Prohibition Lager

◎ Appearance

Pale straw yellow with excellent clarity and fine carbonation that produces a modest, resilient white head with good lacing retention. The color reflects the restrained kilning typical of pre-Prohibition pale malts, while the clean visual profile speaks to careful brewhouse technique and bright conditioning.

◌ Aroma

Noble hops present a subtle herbal and slightly spicy character, backed by a clean, grainy malt foundation with soft bread-like notes. The nose is restrained and well-integrated—no single element dominates, reflecting the balanced formulation of the historical recipe without adjunct corn or rice that would flatten the aromatic profile.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a soft malt-forward entry showing bready, slightly sweet character before a modest but clean noble-hop bitterness asserts itself through the mid-palate. The full body belies the modest ABV, with a smooth mouthfeel and grain-driven depth that recalls earlier American brewing traditions. Bitterness builds gradually but remains restrained, finishing crisp without harshness.

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and relatively brief, with the hop bitterness fading to a dry, grainy aftertaste. A whisper of malt sweetness lingers as the bitterness recedes, leaving the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.