BlackDuck's Pilsner

[Beer-lord]

I'll start by saying it's no secret I'm not a Pils fan. But a good beer is a good beer and it might not be the weather for it, but I was hankering for a cold one and knew Chris would not let me know.
It poured with a great head and was almost clear with just a slight chill haze. This one was too cold for me so I took a sip but set it aside for a few minutes (while watching the SEC championship game). The head did die down and the lacing was not as firm as expected but that's just looks and I'm not a beer judge.
The taste is very, very clean with a slight hop bitterness up front that fades quickly. The aroma surprised me a bit as I noticed a hint of a Belgian smell. That's not a critique, simply not what I expected.
This is a very enjoyable beer and I forget what hops were used but they definitely made this beer that much better than a typical Pils. And even with a pilsner, I tend to enjoy this beer a bit more as it continues to warm up.

Thanks again for sharing this with me Chris. I'm starting to feel a bit inferior with all the great brewers out there. Guess I better step up my game.

[BlackDuck]

Thanks Paul...I appreciate the comments. I'm surprised it poured that hazy. Mine are crystal clear and much lighter in color than that. That almost looks like the belgian that I sent you. I wonder if the temp changes (fridge to shipping temps and back to fridge temps) changed it up a bit? The pils was made with Saphir hops only. I knew it wasn't your style to begin with, but glad you enjoyed it anyway.

[Beer-lord]

I wouldn't change a thing and the haze does not bother me in the slightest. Never even tried Sapphire hops before. I enjoyed what they brought to this beer.

[BlackDuck]

I wasn't planning on changing it at all....I really enjoy this one. I'm not really concerned with the haze either, I was just surprised yours poured with haze since mine don't.

Here's some info on the Saphir hops that I found:
"Typical Beer Styles: This is a relatively unknown but up and coming new breed of hop that is starting to replace the Hallertaur Mittlefrueh variety which has become more and more susceptable to diasease and pests. Shares many of the Hallertaur Mittlefrueh characteristics and with a low alpha acid content is very well suited as an aroma hop for the finest European style lagers. The Saphir is a true jewel in the noble hop family and has a refined aroma and a mild flavor. This hop is distinguished by a sweet and clean citrus aroma that has a hint of tangerine. Try this in your finest German lagers, Pilsners, Belgian White, or even an English mild ale."

[Kealia]

Looking at the recipe it looks like you used a clean lager yeast so the 'Belgian aroma' must be the citrus from the hops?

And clearly the beer poured hazy because Paul used the wrong type of glassware

[BlackDuck]

I was thinking the same thing about the glassware too, but didn't want to say anything.

Maybe later I'll pour one in the right glass and post a picture.

[Beer-lord]

I almost opted for a true Pilsner glass but alas, I only have one and it was dirty and I was thirsty. And, my words might have been a bit too strong and using the word Belgian, can convey much more than I intended.
I suck as a brewer but suck more as a beer reviewer. I should be fired and forced to carry 50 lb sacks of grain up the Empire States Building for a weekend. But, I have to help my brother brew a Blind Pig clone today so the grain can wait.
And, IT WAS A GREAT BEER!

[BlackDuck]

No hard feelings Paul....you definitely don't suck as a brewer or a beer reviewer either. We're just poking fun.

Get to brewin' with your brother....hope it comes out tastey!!