When the Water is Bad, Drink Beer

For a couple of weeks now, we've been dealing with a water issue at the house. So like people throughout history, I must turn to beer for my liquid sustenance since the water can't be trusted. Besides, after days dealing with multiple contractors, with no resolution in sight, I just really needed a beer!

My choice this evening was Devils Backbone Vienna Lager. I poured my beer into one of the "stolen" Devils Backbone glasses. The beer begins with a robust off-white head. So much so that I initially slowed my pour, and was thankful for the oversize glass. As it turned out, the head dropped quickly so no overflow was encountered. The color is a very attractive copper color with a mild aroma of caramel and roasted malt. The flavor is slightly sweet malt with a toasted, nutty character. The finish is dry and mildly sweet, clearing off to leave behind a lasting hint of bitterness.

As reported previously, this was the most popular of the beers we served at a recent gathering. It's easy to understand why folks kept returning to it. I selected this lager for the menu in the hope that it would appeal to both the adventurous and non-adventurous palates. And it was very successful in meeting that requirement. Devils Backbone Vienna Lager is a refreshing, enjoyable beer that I suspect I'll be picking up regularly — even after we get clean water flowing once again.