Czech Style Pilsner

Tasted following a workout of 4 x 200m, 6 x 400m, 1 x 1000m and 4 x 200m with all 200's @ 31 with 30 s rest (the hardest part) and 400's @ 68, while the 1000 was in 2:58. Downed 3/4 a growler of water and got right to tasting prior to eating, and quite frankly, I'm feeling the 6%!

Appearance: A bright golden color remains the essential aspect of the thirst quenching liquid. Complete clarity with only the minuscule bubble arising here and there. The head is only made up of a thin white ring around the inside of the glass.

Aroma: A peppery zest is what dominates much of the smell. Some citrus and lager pungency, but overall a spicy hop character is the one notable element of the scent.
Taste: Starts mildly sweet, reminiscent of a corn flavor. Next during a spike in carbonation a huge wave of lemon peel and lemon grass rushes across the palate. Into the end of the carbonation spike and rounding the finish, the lemongrass flavor remains but is no sooner masked by a very peppery and spicy hop profile from Saaz's I assume. Slight herbal qualities are present perhaps from other additions to the beer. Otherwise it presumes a very clean, but interestingly complex flavor. Only some of the lemon bitterness remains in the aftertaste, but not for too long. Alcohol fuels a dry clean end.
Mouthfeel: Light and peppy with a drawn out carbonation spike that lasts into the finish of the beer only to fuel the spicy finishing flavor. Mouthfeel is spiked and textured, but fluid initially. The finish is clean and dry
Overall Impression: A well made pilsner. It presents a wealth of complexity but focuses primarily on what the hops offered the beers flavor profile. I liked how the beer focused more on the hops instead of the lager aged qualities that most pilsners have. Worth a try if you want to see the potential outside the box of the common Czech pilsners.


83/100