Little House’s Premium – a lager that perfect for any occasion
Little House Brewing sits front and center in the small town of Chester, Connecticut. Located at 16 Main Street, the spot they call home has been around for nearly 200 years – since 1836 – and has been many things over the years before Little House took over back in 2017.
Finding their beers outside of Connecticut can be quite difficult, especially on the west coast, so when I saw a can of their Premium, I jumped at the chance to try it.
Premium is Lager brewed with all Bavarian malts and hops and has a very approachable 4.9% ABV. As the can says, it was made to be a “‘I just need a beer’ beer” that’s light and perfect for any occasion. I did also pay a premium for it, being so far from them, as the 12 ounce can cost me $6.50.
This Helles Lager poured a golden straw color with a bit of cloudiness to it. About a finger of bright white head topped off the beer and fizzled down slowly over the next few minutes. Soon there was a small accumulation around the edge of the glass and a few clouds floating in the middle.
The aroma was very grist forward, with notes of bread and caramel leading the way. However, peeking out behind the malt were a few hoppier notes. A light, pithy citrus peel scent added some grapefruit and lemon notes but, for the most part, it’s very much how your classic beer should smell.
Each sip begins with a surprisingly creamy and soft mouthfeel. The taste is a carbon copy of the smell, with the grains offering up a combination of sweet caramel and biscuits up front.
Following behind is the teeniest, tiniest twinge of hoppy bitterness. The hops add a bit more complexity to the brew, adding some juicy orange peel, zesty lemon, and a dryer grapefruit rind characteristic.
The beer finishes very cleanly, with no lingering flavors or aftertaste. And even with that softer mouthfeel, the beer is still light and very crushable.
It’s a great summer beer. A great boat beer. A great after work beer. Hell, it’s a great anytime beer. There’s just not that much to it. Its simplicity makes it a great can to have around at all times. Nothing about it will blow you away but there’s no way to dislike this beer.
