Beer Review: Wayfinder Beer – Defenders of Good Times
Style: Agua Fresca Style Lager
ABV: 4.5%
Key Infusions: Fresh English Cucumber & Real Lime
Brewery Location: Portland, Oregon
When it comes to executing flawlessly clean, style-defining lagers, Portland’s Wayfinder Beer is practically royalty. With Defenders of Good Times, they step out of the traditional German and Czech playbook to deliver a masterclass in modern, fruit-infused refreshment. Heavily inspired by traditional Mexican aguas frescas, this lager brings a powerhouse tag team of fresh English cucumber and real lime to a crisp light lager canvas. Clocking in at a highly functional 4.5% ABV, this is a phenomenal, bone-dry crusher that proves “innovation” doesn’t have to mean cloying or heavy.
Appearance
Defenders of Good Times pours a brilliantly clear, pale straw-gold with shimmering, ultra-active carbonation bubbles visible throughout. It kicks up a noisy, active, snow-white foam cap that crackles with effervescence. True to its light-bodied lager roots and fruit additions, the head recedes fairly quickly, leaving a pristine, clean surface and a soft collar ring of lace.
Aroma
The aromatics on this beer are an absolute sensory trip. The second you crack the can, an intense, remarkably authentic burst of cool, fresh-cut cucumber skin floods the senses, carrying an almost therapeutic, hydrating vibe. Right behind the garden-fresh cucumber is an electric strike of sharp, zesty lime oil and a tiny hint of cracked cracker malt from the base lager, keeping the whole profile incredibly bright and appetizing.
Palate & Mouthfeel
On the tongue, this beer is all about high-speed refreshment. It is exceptionally light-bodied, snappy, and light on its feet, driven by a tight, lively carbonation that delivers an instant cooling sensation.
The flavor follows the nose beautifully, with remarkable restraint. You are treated to juicy, authentic cucumber-water notes upfront, which are quickly balanced by the sharp, tongue-tingling brightness of real lime juice. Wayfinder keeps the base lager absolutely bone-dry—there is no artificial syrup or heavy residual sugar here, allowing the raw ingredients to taste incredibly clean.
Finish
The exit is lightning-fast, ultra-crisp, and entirely immaculate. The lime juice brings a subtle, mouthwatering zip of citric acidity that wipes the palate clean, while a lingering, crisp note of cucumber peel leaves you feeling completely refreshed. There is zero clutter left behind, making it an incredibly high-repeat, endlessly drinkable beer.
Wayfinder has fully defended the good times with this release. It is bright, energetic, and perfectly balanced, ensuring the cucumber and lime enhance the lager rather than overpowering it. For backyard hangouts, taco nights, or scorching hot afternoons, this is a spectacular triumph of pure, unadulterated refreshment. Refreshment wins again.
Please Note: To ensure absolute freshness and optimal storage temperatures, all craft beer arrivals are sold exclusively in-store and are not available for online ordering.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
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