Protector Brewery - SD Lite Lager

This organic lager presents a bright golden-yellow color capped by a spritely head of white foam. The aroma is all about the Perle hops, which deliver a multifaceted profile boasting a prominent spicy/herbal edge, notes of lemon rind, some grassy and mildly hay-like tones, and a certain minty quality. Very clean malts lurk below, offering a supportive crackery impression. Look for those malts to continue to form a strong backbone on the palate too, with the crackery note joined by just a hint of toasty bread. The bright carbonation is noticeable as soon as the beer crosses the lips, adding crisp effervescence. The hop flavors merge with that lifting carbonation to provide plenty of drying bite filled with German-esque notes of spice and lemon-like zest, as well as a bit of a woodsy, evergreen tone. Despite their apparent simplicity, pale lagers can be a challenge to brew, as there are no gimmicks or smoke and mirrors to hide behind. The purity of Protector’s organic ingredients and the deft hands of the brewers are on full display in this crisp and satisfying lager. It’s an incredibly food-friendly style, too; we recommend pairing with pizza, burgers, fried chicken, fish & chips, or shrimp and vegetable tempura. Cheers!

Many brewery backstories revolve around the founder picking up an appreciation for beer and brewing while in the military stationed oversees, usually in Germany. However, the story of Protector Brewery is the first we’ve encountered in which the founder’s journey down the brewing path began by brewing in an active war zone.

Sean Haggerty spent almost a decade as a Navy SEAL, and it was during his third deployment to Iraq in 2010 that the seed which would become Protector Brewery would be planted. Finding himself in a combat area where beer was, naturally, prohibited, yet nevertheless in need of a cold one, Sean resolved to make his own. After having ingredients shipped to him, he brewed his first batch with whatever equipment he could scrounge up, including a thermos.

Upon returning home, Sean began homebrewing in earnest, throwing himself into the science and artistry behind proper ingredient selection and the brewing process itself. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Sean – with the support of his girlfriend (now wife) Cory and longtime friend Mark Thorsen – founded Protector Brewery in 2017. Distribution throughout San Diego County began in 2019, and presently cans of their organic beers can be found in seven states.

The decision to go all-organic with an eye on sustainability and purity of ingredients was Cory’s idea, and it’s a bold move that relatively few brewers have committed to. All of Protector’s ingredients are USDA Certified Organic, vegan-friendly, and sourced in the USA. Their focus on sustainability doesn’t end there; all of Protector’s packaging is 100% recyclable. The brewery has also partnered with a number of philanthropic organizations including the Navy SEAL Foundation, The Honor Foundation, Team Rubicon, and the San Diego Green Building Council. For more info on their excellent organic beers and their Tasting Room just north of MCAS Miramar, which is located near several other brewery tasting rooms including AleSmith and Ballast Point, visit Protector’s website at www.protectorbrewery.com.