Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Chief Science Officer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

Cheetah (4.8% | 6 IBU) made its debut in early 2018, a draft-only Lager that quickly struck a chord with sessionable beer seekers. Bright, light and agile, with a tinge of malt and citrus character, this brew is crazily crushable. Cheetah is now available year-round in 12-pack cans and on draft.

Malts: 2-row, rice

Hops: Saphir

Cheetah is a lager! Talk about the history of this bottom-fermented beer style.

Back “in the day,” there was no temperature control, so beer would often be allowed to ferment in cool cellars/caves. The beer yeast adapted to this, hence the evolution of the lager strain of yeast, also known as Saccharomyces pastorianus.

Cheetah is joining our year-round can lineup. What does this brew bring to the 365-days-a-year squad?

This is a beer that one can easily downshift to after having had a couple of hoppy IPAs or some heavy Imperial Stouts!

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

Light, crisp, clean and refreshing, everything you want in a great craft lager and nothing that you don’t want.

What makes you want to drink this beer?

It is well balanced, dry, not too hoppy, enough so that it is easy to plow through a six pack on a Saturday afternoon, or anytime really (drink responsibly!).

What are some other lagers that you dig?

Sun King Pachanga, 21st Amendment El Sully, and Melvin Heyzeus.

Appearance: Yellow in color, fairly clear. Frothy white head with average retention. Medium carbonation.

Aroma: Light sulfury aroma quickly dissipates to a moderately-low grainy/cereal aroma. No esters, very low hop aroma.

Taste: Medium-low malt flavor, light cereal, grain and crackery notes. Low hop bitterness, dry finish. No esters.

Mouthfeel: Light body, medium carbonation, low astringency, no alcohol warmth.

Overall: A clean, crisp, yet flavorful craft lager that falls squarely in the Rhinegeist wheelhouse.

What foods would pair well with Cheetah?

Pizza and wings.

Ideal glassware for Cheetah?

Standard pint glass.