Beer Review: Moonlight Brewing – Side of Rice Rice Lager
Moonlight Brewing has a well-earned reputation for crafting beers that balance tradition with subtle twists, and Side of Rice is a perfect example. Brewed with rice alongside barley, this lager pours a pale straw color with a bright, clear body and a lively, foamy head that lingers.
On the nose, it offers delicate aromas of freshly cut grass, grain husk, and a faint floral note, clean and inviting. The first sip is crisp and light, with rice adding a smooth, almost silky body that softens the malt’s sharp edges. There’s a gentle sweetness up front, quickly swept away by a snappy, dry finish that leaves you wanting another sip.
What stands out most is its drinkability. Unlike some rice lagers that veer towards watery, Side of Rice carries a quiet complexity: a restrained malt character, a whisper of herbal hops, and an underlying elegance that showcases Moonlight’s mastery of subtlety.
Verdict:
A refreshingly crisp, dry, and endlessly crushable lager that still offers nuance for the attentive drinker. Perfect for pairing with sushi, a hot day in the park, or as a palate reset between heavier beers.
Available at SF Tequila Shop, Bernal Heights
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