Style: Pilsner
Brewer: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, CA
ABV: 5.6%
I apologize if this blog has been a bit Sierra heavy lately. Unfortunately, it’s only gonna get worse. I have Tumbler, their Fall seasonal, in the fridge. And Celebration, their Holiday offering and one of my all-time favorites, is I’m sure is in stores already. Look for those reviews soon.
To close out the Beer Camp series, we have the Beer Camp Imperial Pilsner. It is quite simply outstanding. It pours a pale straw color, with a piney, yeasty nose. Although the ABV isn’t what you’d expect, the “Imperial” of the Pilsner must be the amped-up hops, which make for a snappy, tangy, utterly quenching beverage. It also has quite a bit of heft for a Pilsner, with almost a biscuity chewiness.
What really makes this brew is the finish. It has a snappy hop bite at the end that finishes completely dry and cleanses the palate, leaving you ready for the next sip. This is yet another example of Sierra Nevada’s skillful hand at the use of hops. Regardless of style, they employ the right types, in the right proportion, for the hops to announce themselves assertively while allowing the other ingredients to play a role as well.