Review: Godspeed Brewery x Kilter Brewing Märzen Amber Lager

I never thought I'd become a fan of classic (non Belgian) European styles of beers, but here we are, and not only that - I was absolutely in love with the Czech/European lagers and ales while visiting Toronto's Godspeed Brewing a few years ago, especially when they were finishing up on a tap takeover with Unibroue at the time.. I didn't even order any of the Unibroue beers.. which is very not like me!

Today's sampling is between Godspeed and Winnipeg's Kilter Brewing on a Märzen German Amber Ale Lager. It's described as smooth, malty and bready. Brewed with the finest German specialty malt and gently hopped with Hallertau Mittelfrüh. 5.5% ABV

Appearance: Crisp, clean, clear, amber-honey body. There's a light amount of carbonation in the body, but a decent amount of frothy beige head on top that leaves behind a bit of a lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Quite a sweet-forward malty lager with an abundance of caramel/toffee, a tad bit of a toasted graininess, grassy hops, slight peppery at the end.

Taste: This is moderately sweet with notes of toffee/caramel, a hint of nuttiness to it, toasted graininess, grassy on the hop side, and a slight bit of pepper at the end. 

Overall Thoughts: A crisp, amber lager with lots of caramel/toffee notes, a bit of a peppery bite, grassy hops. Overall, a very good autumn beer - very crisp. This is one of the more intriguing collabs I've seen from Kilter in a while, but I guess it's because I'm tired of (most) IPAs more than anything.. and that comes from someone who typically buys an IPA or three every time at the local LC. I wish we could see more Godspeed beer in Manitoba.. and I do have a Godspeed review coming soon when I feel confident enough to review it..