Beer reviews: Offset Aus Cascade and Epic Matsumoto Rice Lager 

• Mike Riedel

Offset - Aus Cascade: Created in 1972 by combining English Fuggle and Russian Serebrianka hops, the Cascade varietal was definitely a workhorse in American craft beer. If you've been drinking IPAs and pale ales from the 1990s and on to today, you're probably quite familiar with them. Cascades are also grown throughout the globe, but changes in climate and soil tend to alter the hop's character a bit. This Australian version of Cascade was used in a new brew from our pals at Offset Bier in Park City. How does it compare to our domestic varieties?

A not-too-aggressive pour reveals a hazy, vibrant, sun-kissed yellow, reminiscent of ripe apricot. As the beer settles, a pristine, rocky white head forms. Bringing the glass to my nose, the initial impression is a bright, captivating burst of citrus. This is unmistakably the Australian Cascade, with its unique expression of grapefruit and lime zest, perhaps a touch more subtle and less aggressively piney than its American cousin.

The first sip leads the charge with a vibrant zestiness that immediately cleanses the palate. Grapefruit and lime are prominent, but there's a delicate sweetness that rounds out the citrus, preventing it from becoming overly fruity—somewhat resinous, not sharp, but precise and remarkably clean. Mid-palate, the subtle tropical fruit notes from the Galaxy peek through—a fleeting hint of passionfruit and a soft, juicy stone fruit character that adds complexity and depth. It's medium-bodied, offering a satisfying weight on the tongue without being heavy or filling. The 5.0 percent ABV feels absolutely appropriate here.

Verdict: This "single-hop" pale ale does show a nuanced touch with the Galaxy hops. It's a testament to the beauty of a well-executed single-hop showcase, allowing the unique characteristics of Australian Cascade to truly shine, while the subtle addition of Galaxy adds just enough intrigue and complexity without detracting from the primary hop. I would happily reach for it again, especially when seeking a truly expressive and well-crafted pale ale.

Epic - Matsumoto Rice Lager: Creating a beer named for Utah's sister city in Japan, the team at Epic has made a new Japanese-style lager that was crafted using traditional Japanese rice and historical brewing techniques like decoction mashing. This promises to be a departure from the typical American lager, offering both a unique cultural as well as sensory experience.

The beer pours with impeccable clarity, a brilliant straw gold that shimmers in the light. It's remarkably bright, with a slight hint of haze. The whiff is notably clean and subtle. There's a faint, sweet malt character, reminiscent of fresh white bread or a hint of steamed rice, that is beautifully complemented by a delicate, floral hop note—extremely mild and almost imperceptible, offering just a whisper of Noble hop character.

The first sip is elegant and simple. The initial impression is one of crisp, clean malt sweetness, delicate and refined, mirroring the rice character I anticipated. This isn't a sugary sweetness, but an almost starchy roundness that glides across the palate. The hop bitterness is incredibly restrained, acting as a clean counterpoint rather than a dominant flavor, leading to a perfectly balanced profile. There are no bold flavors vying for attention; instead, the beauty lies in its harmonious integration and the purity of its components. The decoction mashing likely contributes to a perceived richness and fullness of flavor despite the light body. The finish is remarkably dry and exceptionally clean, leaving the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip. The mouthfeel is exquisitely light-bodied at 5.7 percent ABV.

Verdict: This Japanese-style lager is a beer that celebrates purity of ingredients and meticulous brewing. The use of rice and traditional techniques truly shines, delivering a lager that is exceptionally clean, crisp and refreshing.

Small batches of both of these are available, so don't wait too long. As always, cheers!