Damn the Sky
Holy Mountain Brewing Company - Interbay Brewery + Taproom

From a 16 oz pounder I dragged back from the PNW last summer…about time that it was cracked open. Not entirely sure what to expect from an NZ style Pilsner, but these guys rarely miss in my experience, so. Into a Tallgrass tulip, pours a dense cloudy goldenrod with a big 2 finger foamy head…lots of lacing. Nose is kind of thick with what seems like honey and bready Pilsner malt, and citrus peel pith and lots of sour-sweet gooseberries. It’s different, but I like it. Hits the tongue and, again, it’s interesting but pleasant: lots of gooseberry, lots of bready malt, and fairly earthy with a little light flowery/fruity spice. Carb is middle, body is kind of heavy for a pils…reminds me of a Keller. All in all: yeah! I enjoyed it and it was distinctive.

 

16oz can

Pours two fingers of white head into my Pilsner glass. Retention is a little above average, and it takes a few minutes for the head to really die down. Lacing is not bad. Body is straw yellow, crystal clear, with a very modest amount of bubbles coming up. Looks decent enough.

Nose is very peculiar - earthy, zesty, spicy. Certainly hoppy, but it doesn't smell anything like the NZ hop bill of Riwaka, Motueka, or Nelson Sauvin - no fruit to speak of. Varietals aside, it definitely smells a little abrasive.

Flavor definitely has some of that spice, some pepper, and some zest. There are however some nice Nelson Sauvin/gooseberry notes that help tie things together a little bit. Still on the grittier side, but this is more down to earth than the nose.

Carbonation is on the higher side. Pretty light bodied. Bitterness is medium and appropriate, the spice adds a nice touch. Well attenuated, but not terribly dry. Overall a nice, lively mouthfeel.

Drinkability is pretty nice considering the big hop punch, more balanced than the nose.

Not perfect, a little rough at times, but overall a pretty solid Pilsner with a good amount of character.