Hop City Brewing Company is the brainchild of two long time brewers, Kevin Gray and John Gagliardi. Kevin and John set out to create flavorful and balanced brews with ingenuity and passion without rules, reverence or sales projections to meet. What resulted was their first award winning recipe, Barking Squirrel, a delicious rich amber lager.

The beer pours a copper amber color with rusty orange hues when viewed in the light. The one finger off white head shows good retention. Once the head dissipates a light lacing remains, mainly on the sides of the glass.

Aromas of biscuity malts dominate the nose. Notes of grain and toast complement the biscuit aromas. A touch of caramel adds depth and an undeniable sweetness. A touch of woody, earthy hops are detectable underneath the strong malt and grain notes.

On the palate, notes of biscuity malts and caramel hit first. There is a toasty nuttiness that highlights the biscuit flavors. A hint of fermented fruit, namely apple, elevates the caramel notes. Arriving at the mid-palate are hints of citrus and grassy hops that balance the malts perfectly. The beer finishes clean but very dry.

Hop City’s Barking Squirrel Lager is a clean and easy drinking lager that is sure to please the masses. Try pairing this one with smoked Gouda, BBQ chicken or apple pie. 

The Beer Buyer Overall Rating: 3.5 Out of 5 Pints 

Please check with your local Bottle King store for current  inventory!