Skeletons in your fridge are better than skeletons in your closet. Today I’m reviewing another of Amsterdam Brewery’s skeleton-themed brews, Pale Rider Dry Hopped Lager. I’ve previously reviewed this brew’s stronger counterparts, Cruiser All Day Pale Ale and Boneshaker Unfiltered India Pale Ale, so in the spirit of trying to complete the set — I also still need to try Amsterdam’s Fracture Imperial India Pale Ale — I decided to give this one a try.
I’ve talked about Amsterdam Brewery in my previous reviews of their beers, so, as it’s after nine in the mornin’, let’s imbibe.
Amsterdam Brewery: Pale Rider Dry Hopped Lager – First Sip
Pale Rider pours the classic transparent golden colour that any good lager should. It retains a thin layer of foam around the top of my glass. This brew’s delicate aroma matches its flavour, faintly grainy and even more faintly of hops. There are subtle cues that mark this beer as a kind of pale ale, but Amsterdam is right to call this a lager. Because of its active bubbles, Pale Rider has a fizzy mouthfeel that supports its light taste.
Amsterdam Brewery: Pale Rider Dry Hopped Lager – Last Sip
At 4.2% ABV in 473-mL tall cans, this beer is a de facto light pale ale. When sipped, this brew’s flavour is elusive. But, like any light beer, when guzzled its flavour fleshes itself out. Because it’s a light pale ale, I suggest drinking a few at your next barbecue or sporting event. While everyone else chugs lager, you can chug dry-hopped lager and know that you’re one step up on everyone else. But, as with all light beers, you need to keep track of how many Pale Riders you’ve had, or you may end up like this guy … too late you realize you should’ve taken those dancing lessons.
