XV Anniversary Beer
Notch Brewing
- From:
- Notch Brewing
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- Czech Pale Lager
- ABV:
- 4%
- Score:
- +8 ratings needed
- Avg:
- 4.15 | pDev: 4.58%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 1
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jun 15, 2025
- Added:
- Jun 09, 2025
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 0
NO SCORE
-
-
Czech Pale Lager || 4.0% || Willi Becher || 10° P
Taste: herbal pine, toasted bread, light pepper spice
Notes: Notch is the only brewery in the US to employ the historic brewing process of pitch lining lagering barrels. "Pitch" is a combination of tree resin and paraffin, and in the Czech Republic it was used to coat wooden brewing vessels previous to the use of metal. This ensured the beer was protected from the negative influences of tannin and oak extracted from the wood, and instead resulted in the pitch character making its way into the flavor and aroma of the beer. So, we set out on this labor of love project to recreate a process long lost to modern technique, and to discover what this pitch character was all about.
Taste: herbal pine, toasted bread, light pepper spice
Notes: Notch is the only brewery in the US to employ the historic brewing process of pitch lining lagering barrels. "Pitch" is a combination of tree resin and paraffin, and in the Czech Republic it was used to coat wooden brewing vessels previous to the use of metal. This ensured the beer was protected from the negative influences of tannin and oak extracted from the wood, and instead resulted in the pitch character making its way into the flavor and aroma of the beer. So, we set out on this labor of love project to recreate a process long lost to modern technique, and to discover what this pitch character was all about.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Reviewed by Damian from Massachusetts
3.96/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.96/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Drank on tap at Notch Brewing, Brighton, MA
Served in a Willi Becher
A fluffy, bright white, two-finger tall crown topped the crystal clear, amber colored body. The head slowly dropped to a medium sized, lasting collar. A moderate amount of streaky lacing stuck along the glass.
The aroma was pleasant but subtle. Crisp, dry, powdery yeasty notes were most apparent initially. As the head receded, some earthy hops appeared. Touch of biscuity malt character as well.
The flavor profile was also solid but not particularly notable in any sense. Crisp and dry up front. Biscuity malt notes were apparent. Nice zippy lemony presence in the center. As the beer moved along the palate, earthy hop notes appeared. The hops turned more piney and bitter on the back end and in the finish. Sticky, resiny notes lingered after the swallow.
The mouthfeel was extremely soft and plush. Medium body for the style. The liquid contained a super fine and subtle effervescence that was unique yet welcomed.
Even though I am typically not a fan of more earthy and bitter, Czech-style Pilsners, I still make a point to try Notch’s anniversary beer every year. With that said, kudos to these folks for their dedication and attention to detail with integrating traditional, old-world lagering techniques into many of their beers.
Jun 09, 2025Served in a Willi Becher
A fluffy, bright white, two-finger tall crown topped the crystal clear, amber colored body. The head slowly dropped to a medium sized, lasting collar. A moderate amount of streaky lacing stuck along the glass.
The aroma was pleasant but subtle. Crisp, dry, powdery yeasty notes were most apparent initially. As the head receded, some earthy hops appeared. Touch of biscuity malt character as well.
The flavor profile was also solid but not particularly notable in any sense. Crisp and dry up front. Biscuity malt notes were apparent. Nice zippy lemony presence in the center. As the beer moved along the palate, earthy hop notes appeared. The hops turned more piney and bitter on the back end and in the finish. Sticky, resiny notes lingered after the swallow.
The mouthfeel was extremely soft and plush. Medium body for the style. The liquid contained a super fine and subtle effervescence that was unique yet welcomed.
Even though I am typically not a fan of more earthy and bitter, Czech-style Pilsners, I still make a point to try Notch’s anniversary beer every year. With that said, kudos to these folks for their dedication and attention to detail with integrating traditional, old-world lagering techniques into many of their beers.
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