Brooklyn Brewery Silver Anniversary Lager

The Brewers:
Brewmaster: Garrett Oliver
Company: Brooklyn Brewing Company
Location:  #1 Brewers Row 79 N. 11th Street Brooklyn, NY
Website:
 http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/verify

The Beer:
Style: Dopplebock (Lager)
ABV: 8.6%
Brewed With: German and American 2-Row Pilsner, Munich and Caramel Malts, Hallertau, Mittlefreuh, Saphir, Cascade and Willamette Hops
Served: On tap at Beechtree Grill of Poughkeepsie
(http://beechtree-grill.homestead.com/index.html)

The Drink: 
Served in a 12 oz. Brooklyn Brewery Belgian-style tulip glass

Beer poured coppery-brown with a 2-finger head that hung around for quite a while.  Lacing was excellent, especially considering it was a lager.

Aroma of spicy, floral and earthy hops, characteric of traditional European hops (the ones listed, minus Cascade, which is American and generally resinous/citrusy).  Some very subtle caramel malt comes through as well.

Beer starts with a decent carbonation and a surprising body, more than I was expecting from a lager.  Middle has a good deal of caramel and malty sweetness accompanied by a pronounced hop aroma and bitterness, which builds into the finish.  Finish is very characteristic of what I would call a Czech lager (floral and spicy hop aroma with a robust hop bitterness).  There is also a refreshing crisp grain flavor that is present in the middle-finish.  

Overall:
As far as lagers go, this is worth the money.  I usually stay away from lager beers, but noticing that this was a hefty 8.6% ABV, I thought it might have some body and flavor to it, and I was definitely right.  Refreshingly light, but also with a good bit of flavor and body, this beer is masterfully balanced.  The hop character is pronounced, but not overpowering, and is present in enough amount to make this a great beer for warm weather.  I guess I should conclude by say congrats to Brooklyn Brewery for its 25th year in operation (for which this beer was brewed), and thanks for the world-class work.