Medalla Light brewed by Cervecera de Puerto Rico is being evaluated as an American Light Lager (BJCP 2015 Guidelines Style 1A).

American-style Light Lagers may not be the most sought-out style among Beer Connoisseur readers, but they have their time and place and can be surprisingly interesting to drink. Light lagers are about as naked as beer gets so when they aren't well-made it is glaringly obvious. Medalla Light holds its own against the North American macro giants by mimicking their unpretentious nature. There is a subtle aroma of freshly milled malted barley and nothing else of note. As expected for the style, the clarity of this bright blonde beer is immaculate and it pours with a dense white head that stays atop the beer for a long time.

This beer focuses on the malt alone as there is zero hop flavor and no perceptible bitterness. There is light corn-chip flavor that adds a bit of welcome character. The fermentation is flawless – this lager is clean as can be, allowing the light malt characteristics to shine. Carbonation seems lower than usual in this style, but its incredibly light body and flavor make up for the lack of crispness that the drinker normally associates with CO_2.

This is a well-engineered beer that checks most of the boxes of the style but offers nothing to help it stand out from a competitor in this category. If you find yourself in Puerto Rico, drink this local cerveza and enjoy!