Review - MateVeza's Yorba Mate Organic Black Lager
"MateVeza Organic Black Lager is brewed with organic two-row, chocolate, black, Munich malt, roasted barley, organic yerba mate, and Cascade, Centennial, Tettnang, and Hallertau hops. The yerba mate provides a natural source of caffeine equal to 1/2 of a cup of coffee per 12-ounce bottle." -- MateVeza Brewing Company
Pours a deep brown hue with hints of red with a small frothy tan head with short duration and lacing that has minimal ability to form substantial rings. Body is dark as night and is relatively still. Initial aroma is of moderate malts with burnt notes, along with dry roasted malts and chocolate. No detectable hop presence and no alcohol presence with light black tea aromas. Initial taste is loaded with black malts and tea with leafy astringency, finishing with a delicate sweetness and a well-rounded noble hop profile. Light bodied and watery, there is a soft carbonation with little to no hop bitterness on the back end. Mouth is left slightly dry but in a clean state. Very unique offering, the first of its kind to cross our paths. The addition of tea creates such a distinct finish flavor and mouthfeel and leaves a sweetness on the tongue.
Reviewed on October 17th, 2010.
