Sterling Pils
Ninkasi Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pours a sorta colloidal hazed golden... nice white head... good retention.

Nose hits with a nice hoppy bite that previews the coming bitterness. Crisp hoppiness that is a little more floral than spicy... Definitely more PNW than Continental.

Good bitterness from front to back... hops are again floral.. grainy pils maltiness.

Very drinkable... but I think this 6-pack is old... cannot find a decent date, but this seems not quite fresh... still pretty nice.. love a good pilsner.

3.5/3.75/3.75/3.75/3.75

 

 

 

 

I will forever hold a grudge against Ninkasi for stealing the name of my pipe dream brewery. I also think their beers are decent at best. Still, I'm a sucker for a trying a new Pils, so I had to give this one a shot.

A: Definitely got the look down. Transparent straw, two finger dirty wifebeater foam. Dissipation is moderate. Not much lacing. Carbonation is vigorous. One of those beers you can hear bubbling away.

S: Got the smell down too. Light, crackery. Bit of honeyed sweetness coming off the nose. Hops are lemon, sulfur, floral perfume and a bit of leafy herbaceousness.

T: Very, very crackery. Think liquid saltines. Lemon oil, herbal/floral notes, touch of malt sweetness, tiny bit of soapiness. Moderately assertive hop bitterness, but very balanced. Clean and dry (duh). Flavors are fairly subtle (except for that crackery note), but are clean and precise.

M: Appropriately light. The carbonation calms down as it warms. Enough body to keep things interesting (and balanced). Not quite soft enough on the palate.

O: It is very reminiscent of a quality German pils. Much better than most American examples I've had of the style. Would most definitely buy this again.

 

 

 

 

 

Appearance- Pours up a very good amount of head which seems to have some retention. The head is almost cotton white (there are faint hints of yellow) while the body is a clear pale straw that glows a lemon yellow when held up to the light. Some lacing is left behind and the retention is quite formidable.

Nose- Pretty much your typical pilsner aroma- sweet malt, grain, and faint hints of spice. Some sourness from the grain as well. Has some presence but little complexity. Rather boring but to be expected from the style.

Taste- Reflective of the nose but with some citrus notes (orange and lemon) and a lengthy hops note. The hops are grassy, earthy, and herbal with some spicy characteristics. The hop notes are very well integrated and only reveal their complexity as result of the long finish. There's nothing terribly special about this beer but it is a good representation of the style. A little bit of white grape gives it a bit of a vinous quality as well.

Mouthfeel- Light bodied with a nice smoothness and a slight vinous texture. Carbonation is light and well placed.

Drinkability- Very easygoing, borderline crisp and refreshing. I don't know if I would pay 9 bucks for a 6 pack of pilsner though. However, it is worth it if you are a fan of the style.

Overall- Solid beer and solid representation of the style. This beer won't wow you but is perfect for a summer day.