Little Thistle Double Elbow Half a Mind Czech Amber 4pk Can

What is Polotmavý, anyway? Sandwiched between the more famous Světlý (pale) and Tmavý (dark) Czech lagers lies Polotmavý, literally translated as "half-dark." Ok, so we know at least something about it from the name. Americans typically refer to it as "Czech Amber Lager" and, well, tough to object. Much in the way that Altbier resists easy codification, Polotmavý is one of those things that feels a little bit... uncertain. Malty but not roasty, bitter but also a bit sweet, round in the way that Czech beers so often are, does it skew more towards Urquell or U Fleků? Well, kinda, both?

Sometimes you find yourself out on limbs you didn't know you'd be on. Usually it's a slightly uncomfortable feeling, but often it produces some of what Calvin's dad would have called "character" in the comic strip. This is one of those moments, but with a beer style. Ultimately a low risk endeavor in the grand scheme of things, but still a potent learning moment.

And who better to learn with than my friend Matt from Sway up in Door County, WI? His brewing ethos echoes many of the same values that mine does - attention to detail, small beers, mindfully-sourced ingredients, anachronistic process nonsense - and we felt like this might be a fun and enriching journey to go on together. We had half a mind to try it out, anyway. Hopefully you enjoy our flight of fancy.  4.9% ABV