Fresh Hop Sterling Pilsner
Breakside Brewery - SE Taproom

this is back and its so good! sterling isnt a varietal that usually comes to mind when we think about fresh hop beer in the northwest, but that is part of what makes this so unique and exciting. i think the fresh hop lagers have proliferated quite a bit in recent years, but even with their popularity this beer is distinct, really well done, no surprise from breakside, who does everything at a very high level. unfiltered looking, real pale yellow and still bright, over an inch of creamy lasting white head from the tap, peppy carbonation. the hop profile is super unique on this in both aroma and flavor, and to me much less noble-esque than it often is in pellet form, some real candied fruitiness up front, pink berries, tangerine jelly beans, and notes of lemongrass and mango, dry though, with a neutral or close to neutral lager yeast, and a simple pils malt base, maybe a sprinkle of wheat or something, some fluffiness to it, and thats nice, it holds the hop oils well, and this is packed with flavor. its well hoppy but not real bitter, again less like sterling in pellet form, perhaps even unrecognizable as such, but its wonderful, juicy lemon, lime leaf, trace peach, wet lawn, and only a prickle of late spiciness, clean dry finish, just enough pillowy body, slightly weedy in a good way, a really beautiful beer overall that is obviously at apex freshness, elite stuff here and an early favorite of wet hop season this year, lovely with spicy food and very very repeatable!

Pint at Westside Taphouse in West Salem OR.
5.4% this year.
Slightly turbid yet bright golden color. Small whispy white head.
Aroma is really fresh..leafy, citrus.fliral. just right.
Taste same..maybe bit more citrus. The freshness of the hops tempers the bitterness..but makes for more balance. Great.
Very good mouth feel. Smooth and the carbonation is smooth.
Excellent pilsner

draught
Medium bodied, pure white head. Nearly clear, medium/light gold color. A slight touch of grassiness along with the malt in the smell. Lighter bodied than some pilsners. Well balanced hop to malt ratio that typifies a good pilsner, with a touch of that grassiness in the taste as well. Quite well done in the subtle pilsner hop bite in the finish.