Brewery: El Segundo Brewing Co.
Brewery Location: El Segundo, California
Collaboration: With “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Style: American Lager
ABV: 4.8%
Broken Skull Lager is the second collaboration between El Segundo Brewing and wrestling legend Steve Austin, following the success of Broken Skull IPA. Unlike its hop-heavy sibling, this beer is designed to be easy drinking…more tailgate than taproom, more backyard BBQ than beer geek bottle share. But don’t mistake it for generic.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
The beer ours a crystal clear pale gold with a tight, frothy white head that holds up well. Good carbonation keeps the beer looking lively in the glass.
Aroma
The nose is clean and straight forward, with subtle notes of fresh grain, light honey, and a faint floral hop presence. There’s a touch of biscuity malt, but it’s restrained, keeping things crisp and uncomplicated.
Taste
True to its style, Broken Skull Lager delivers a balanced, easy-drinking profile. Up front, mild bready malt sweetness is quickly met by a crisp, slightly herbal hop bitterness. The finish is clean and dry, with just a whisper of lemon zest. At 4.8% ABV, it’s sessionable without sacrificing flavor…a rare feat in a market saturated with overly sweet or watery lagers.
Mouthfeel
Light bodied with a smooth, refreshing carbonation, this beer glides effortlessly across the palate. It’s neither too thin nor overly filling, making it an ideal choice for warm weather drinking or post workout refreshment (fitting, given its association with WWE’s Stone Cold Steve Austin).
Ratings
Drinkability – 4.5/5
Flavor – 3.8/5
Aroma – 3.5/5
Mouthfeel – 3.8/5
Overall – 3.8/5
Broken Skull is a solid, well made American lager with just enough craft character to stand out. Not groundbreaking, but exactly what it aims to be…a beer you can kick back with after a long day. Or smash two together if you’re in the mood to channel your inner Stone Cold. It’s also a solid choice for BBQ gatherings, beach days, or anytime you want a crisp, satisfying lager without the craft beer pretense.
If you’ve tried El Segundo’s Broken Skull Lager, please share your thoughts on it in the comments section below.
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