Sierra Nevada Experimental Hop Pilsner Pilsener at 5.5% ABV | 46 IBU (US$1.40 at Specs Main Houston, 355 ml, packaged on 9-Jan-2018, acquired 3-Mar-2018, reviewed 27-Mar-2018)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale straw with one finger of rocky white head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: lemon zest, honey, crackery and bready malt, grassy hay. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry slightly spicy finish. (4/5)
I like this – aficionados of the style might argue that it’s too hop-forward, but personally I find Pilseners to verge on boring, so this works for me. Per the commercial description, “Nug-033 and Steiner 04190 reflect some of herbal and spicy character of their European predecessors, but with a new twist. Notes of lemongrass and citrus are balanced by a slight honey flavor and a smooth, chamomile-like hop aroma.” I can’t say I got a lot of chamomile, but other than that, it’s a pretty accurate description. There’s still enough Pils character that it doesn’t lose its way stylistically, but it’s bolstered by some fun hops. Definitely more-ish, especially if it were a hot day on a patio. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
