Planck's Pilsner
The Actual Brewing Co.

 

 

First, a disclaimer: I don't know whether this beer is actually a limited release under BA's definition or not; Actual's facebook page says "limited," but I didn't check to see if this was just a new release or what.

Okay then.

A: A nice-looking beer. Poured from the tap into a standard pint glass, it was light golden and very clear, with a smallish head and decent lacing.

S: This smells incredibly fresh. Hoppier than expected, and more of a fresh-hop nose than I had expected. From what I later heard, this keg might have been brand new, which would make sense. Regardless, it didn't strike me as a strongly noble hop smell, either because of the freshness or because of the hops Actual used. There's a light, grainy malt backbone, which as the beer warms get a bit corny (sulfury?)--but in a good way, sort of like the Great Lakes Wright Pils.

T: Very nicely balanced. Nicely hoppy with a solid bitterness, but enough malt to stand up. This is a lot like what I want pale ales to be--dry, very drinkable, but with enough character to keep me interested. I should probably mention that I'm reviewing this beer more hedonically than for allegiance to style, as it is not very traditional.

M: Medium body, mouthfeel, and carbonation. Were I reviewing to style, I'd say it was a little undercarbonated, but it drank well as is. No alcohol showed itself. No astringency, either.

O: Who can resist a beer named after everyone's, what, second favorite quantum physicist? (Fingers crossed that they do a Schrödinger's Bock.) I really enjoyed this beer: tasty, interesting, and very drinkable. I wonder how it will change over time, given how much the fresh hop smell and flavor contributed to the beer I drank, but I very much look forward to learning. Nice job, Actual.