Bold Mariner Brewing Company is not a brewery that I was familiar with before writing this review. I’m glad to get the chance to discover this new-to-me brewery out of Norfolk, VA. Founded in 2015, Bold Mariner is the brainchild of Mike Stacks, one in a line of enthusiastic home brewers who took his vision out into the world and founded a commercial brewery. A U.S. Navy veteran, Stacks gave a number of his beers nautical-themed names. The beer for this review is no exception. Years ago a “frogman” was a Navy sailor who was specially trained in underwater operations and tactics. Today sailors who would have been Frogmen are Navy SEALS.
The Frogman Lager is a Vienna Lager, which is a type of Lager characterized by a malt-forward flavor profile and amber color. Two examples of a Vienna Lager are Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Modelo Negra.
This beer poured a translucent penny-copper with brilliant clarity and a fluffy white head. The head reduced to about half an inch after a couple of minutes but hung around.
A cursory sniff showcased the caramel malts typical of a Vienna Lager. Further inspection revealed aromas of fresh-baked bread. Interestingly, there was a slight oaky note present even though the Frogman Lager wasn’t aged in any kind of wood barrel.
The aromas of baked bread turned into a strong flavor with a hint of caramel up front. A clean, noble hop bitterness was provided by the use of Saaz Hops. “Noble hops” does not actually mean anything categorically, and is as much of a marketing ploy than anything else. The term is often used to refer to a select group of traditional Old World (European) hops that have been used in traditional style beers for centuries. These include Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnang (or Tettnanger), Spalt, and the aforementioned Saaz. Where American hops are prized for their pine and fruit characteristics, the so-called noble hops are known for aromas and flavors or earth, herbs, and spices.
In the mouth, the Frogman Lager was smooth, crisp, and refreshing. Each sip invited me to go in for another.
Overall, this is a very balanced beer that is eminently drinkable. It’s just the kind of old-school beer that I love running into amidst the sea of Hazy IPAs and ice cream-gummy bear Kettle Sours. Those beers are fun and have their place, but a good ole beer-flavored beer with naught but the four traditional ingredients is something I appreciate and treasure. I hope to revisit this one much sooner than later.
Disclaimer: This beer was sent to us compliments of Bevana. Start your Beverage Nirvana by ordering online at https://shop.bevana.com/partners/bevana/store.html (Not available in all states).
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