While shopping for craft beer at Crest Tavern in Wildwood, NJ during our last family vacation, I came across Hop Syndrome Lager from Epic Brewing Company.

Before we get into the review, I have to say, I was absolutely blown awayWhat a beer.

As I sat down on the beach, my son down for his early nap, my wife sunbathing, I popped open my bottle of Hop Syndrome Lager (official vacation house rules, I can drink before noon).

The distinctive sharp edge of a lager, easily drinkable and refreshing. This is a working man’s lager but with an incredible hop presence.

Apricot, mango and orange coming through in the flavor, with a nice dry and malty wheat lager body leading to a dry and refreshingly bitter finish.

Feels thin, with modest carbonation. This is a solid, clean drinking lager with bite. The hops blend very nicely with the malt flavor.

That night, I headed right out to grab a second bottle from Crest Tavern. It was just too good to only have one.

Plus, I needed to get a good look at this in a glass, along with a better sense of the aroma.

Pours a slightly hazy yellow gold. Plenty of visible carbonation, with a large creamy cap of white froth leaving plenty of lacing. Almost resembles a pilsner with the color.

A distinct spiciness on the nose, but you can sense the presence of the bright grassy hops, along with apricot, mango, and orange.

Crisp, Refreshing, Drinkable. A wondrously hoppy lager, this is a clean, spicy, and fruity brew that hits your summer palate just right.

There really aren’t enough hoppy lagers like this in the world.

 

  • ABV: 4.8%
  • IBU: n/a
  • Style: American Pale Ale
  • Taste: Malt, Hops
  • Glassware: Pint, Pilsner
  • Food Pairings: Hearty, Spicy foods, BBQ, Soft Cheeses
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Untappd reviews
Andrij Harasewych
Editor at The Craft Beer Diaries. Devoted husband and father. Excessively geeky. Comic books, video games, and craft beer are my vices. Favorite beer style easily the IPA. Growing love for the DIPA, specifically.
Andrij Harasewych

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