Northwest Pilsner (w/ 54°40')
Occidental Brewing Co.

Can from Uptown Market.

A faintly hazy yellow with a dense, white head with excellent retention and lacing, this looks great. The nose is quite excellent. Soft, doughy with a light Biscuit and honey note, there's a wonderful hop note present, a great blend of old and new world aromas. Minty, spicy, herbal and with a little earth and leaf before light citrus notes appear, the blend is great. The palate opens mildly bitter but with quite a bit of hop flavor. Bright yet a little pungent with spicy, herbal notes tempered by light citrus and floral character. The mid-palate has a really nice, doughy, soft malt character that works nicely in this kellerpils. Drying yet soft, light and limpid on the finish, this beer is just a hair watery and is otherwise very good.

On tap at John's Market on SE Powell.

The beer pours a pale gold color with good head retention and considerable lacing. This is definitely a very attractive looking pils. The nose is attractive as well, showcasing light honey, a hint of cherry, biscuit and light burnt toast. The flavor profile replicates the nose pretty closely, but with some pretty noticeable bitterness on the finish. There's an attractive mouth watering quality to this beer that is enhanced by the prominent bitter, crisp finish. Alcohol is barely noticeable in this impressive pils, and drinkability is excellent. Mouthfeel is fairly light, though this beer doesn't lack sufficient flavor.

The bitterness in this beer will probably turn off a lot of mainstream pils and lager heads, but hop head that I am, I think this beer is terrific. Impressive stuff.