Beer Review: Beholder Hoppy Lager
Collaboration: Wayfinder Beer (Portland, OR) & Meanwhile Brewing Co. (Austin, TX)
Format: 16oz Tallboy Can
Style: Hoppy Adjunct Lager
ABV: 4.9%
The Vibe
When two of the industry’s most respected “lager nerds” team up, expectations are naturally sky-high. Wayfinder (the architects of the Cold IPA) and Meanwhile (Austin’s kings of clean, modern lagers) have produced Beholder, a beer that sits right at the intersection of a crispy American adjunct lager and a modern West Coast Pilsner.
Appearance
Pours a brilliant, “crystal-clear” straw gold—exactly the high-gloss clarity you’d expect from Wayfinder. It sits under a rocky, snow-white head that lingers just long enough to leave some delicate lacing on the glass.
Aroma
The nose is surprisingly loud for a 4.9% beer. You’re immediately hit with a wave of tropical fruit—think under-ripe mango and peach skin. There’s a distinct floral backing of jasmine and a hint of white tea, likely thanks to the whole-cone Krush hops used in the process.
Tasting Notes
The Lead: Bright citrus (tangerine) and stone fruit. It’s “hoppy” in flavor but not in bitterness.
The Body: Incredibly light and lean. The use of corn in the adjunct mash provides a very subtle, cracker-like sweetness that rounds out the hop profile without adding weight.
The Finish: Bone-dry and snappy. It has that “evaporative” quality, where the flavor vanishes quickly, practically demanding another sip.
The Verdict
Beholder is a “high-definition” lager. It takes the drinkability of a classic lawnmower beer and overlays it with the complex aromatics of a premium IPA. It’s sophisticated enough for a craft enthusiast but remains “crushable” enough for a hot afternoon.
Final Thought:
If you enjoy Wayfinder’s Terrifica or Meanwhile’s Secret Beach, this is a must-try. It is a masterclass in balance.
Available at SF Tequila Shop