Vliet
Threes Brewing
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- German Pilsner
Ranked #90 - ABV:
- 5.1%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #21,202 - Avg:
- 3.84 | pDev: 8.07%
- Reviews:
- 24
- Ratings:
- From:
- Threes Brewing
- New York, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating
- Wants
- 2
- Gots
- 15
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good
Notes:
Reviews: 24
| Ratings: 98
3.98/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a light foggy orange with a finger of white foam. Aroma is straw, pilsner, bready, biscuity malts and herbal, resiny, spicy hops. Flavor profile is resiny, herbal, floral, spicy, zesty hops with hearty bready, biscuity, wafery, crackery pilsner malts that dry out the initial light stickiness. Young, doughy yeast sticks to the back of the throat long after the finish. Mouth feel is medium in thickness with a moderately soft effervescence that is broken up by light prickles. Overall, malt forward with fair hop usage making for a refreshing beer.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a light foggy orange with a finger of white foam. Aroma is straw, pilsner, bready, biscuity malts and herbal, resiny, spicy hops. Flavor profile is resiny, herbal, floral, spicy, zesty hops with hearty bready, biscuity, wafery, crackery pilsner malts that dry out the initial light stickiness. Young, doughy yeast sticks to the back of the throat long after the finish. Mouth feel is medium in thickness with a moderately soft effervescence that is broken up by light prickles. Overall, malt forward with fair hop usage making for a refreshing beer.
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4.06/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Decanted from a 16 oz (473 ml) can into a custom taster pint; packaged on 06/11/19.
A: Pours a hazy, straw to golden color, with a two finger, foamy, lemon chiffon head, the tiniest of tiny bubbles, at least a finger of retention, and complex, foamy lacing.
S: Aromas of cracker, lemon chiffon, honeysuckle, and grass. Very inviting.
T: Dry. Flavors of bread, cracker, lemon, grapefruit pith and pepper. Significant bitterness, well above expectations for a Pilsner, although it seems drink less bitterly as it warms. Maybe I just acclimated to it.
M: Medium bodied with solidly persistent carbonation. Leaves a lovely tingling sensation in the mouth.
O: This is a great beer, although at the edge of the style for a Pilsner. Clearly designed with the hazy, hop-bomb IPA liking crowd in mind. Since Threes is located in Brooklyn (with the beer actually produced and packaged at the Industrial Arts Brewing Co. in Garnersville, NY), they would appear to be reading the market right. Got to get out there: it's my father's old neighborhood (Douglas St. in Redhook).
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Decanted from a 16 oz (473 ml) can into a custom taster pint; packaged on 06/11/19.
A: Pours a hazy, straw to golden color, with a two finger, foamy, lemon chiffon head, the tiniest of tiny bubbles, at least a finger of retention, and complex, foamy lacing.
S: Aromas of cracker, lemon chiffon, honeysuckle, and grass. Very inviting.
T: Dry. Flavors of bread, cracker, lemon, grapefruit pith and pepper. Significant bitterness, well above expectations for a Pilsner, although it seems drink less bitterly as it warms. Maybe I just acclimated to it.
M: Medium bodied with solidly persistent carbonation. Leaves a lovely tingling sensation in the mouth.
O: This is a great beer, although at the edge of the style for a Pilsner. Clearly designed with the hazy, hop-bomb IPA liking crowd in mind. Since Threes is located in Brooklyn (with the beer actually produced and packaged at the Industrial Arts Brewing Co. in Garnersville, NY), they would appear to be reading the market right. Got to get out there: it's my father's old neighborhood (Douglas St. in Redhook).
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3.99/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Can 5/8
Nice 1 finger head ok lacing , smell is fresh bread and yeast with hint of spicy hops ,
Cracker like malt sweetness with mild hops note . Low to med carb and some sweetness but over all well done pils
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Can 5/8
Nice 1 finger head ok lacing , smell is fresh bread and yeast with hint of spicy hops ,
Cracker like malt sweetness with mild hops note . Low to med carb and some sweetness but over all well done pils
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4.08/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Smells of crackers, white bread dough and a lighter note of noble hops among a slighty rustic, sweeter maltiness.
Has a vivid carbonation and a light mouthfeel, making this utmost refreshing.
Tastes of a light bread dough foundation, allowing wet hay and a rustic wheat note to settle in. Already features a bitter, herbal hop quality, which gets more intense after the swallow and stays till the end. Lemon and herbs define the pleasantly dry finish, gently accompanied by wheat and bread crust.
Powerful Pilsener as far as this is build to convince by its dryness and easy drinkability. Its light body exhibits the lemon and leaves interplay perfectly, making up for a great drinking experience.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Smells of crackers, white bread dough and a lighter note of noble hops among a slighty rustic, sweeter maltiness.
Has a vivid carbonation and a light mouthfeel, making this utmost refreshing.
Tastes of a light bread dough foundation, allowing wet hay and a rustic wheat note to settle in. Already features a bitter, herbal hop quality, which gets more intense after the swallow and stays till the end. Lemon and herbs define the pleasantly dry finish, gently accompanied by wheat and bread crust.
Powerful Pilsener as far as this is build to convince by its dryness and easy drinkability. Its light body exhibits the lemon and leaves interplay perfectly, making up for a great drinking experience.
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3.82/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured into a pilsner glass.
The appearance was a soft semi-thick ruddy yellow color with a sly transparency about it. A two finger white foamy head started and slid off appropriately. Lots of speckled messy lace dotted the glass all around.
The aroma had a crisp sweet biscuity/bready malty character flowing into some fresh grassy notes and a tickle of sweet lemon.
The flavor seemed to blend all of the previously mentioned aromas together sweetly with a soft touch of dry bitterness coming about right on into the aftertaste which was quite abrupt.
The mouthfeel was between light and medium bodied with a fair sessionable sort of quality about it. Carbonation and ABV felt good. Quite crisp and dry on the finish.
Overall, pretty nice as a German pilsner. I didn't mind the drier patches of maltiness.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured into a pilsner glass.
The appearance was a soft semi-thick ruddy yellow color with a sly transparency about it. A two finger white foamy head started and slid off appropriately. Lots of speckled messy lace dotted the glass all around.
The aroma had a crisp sweet biscuity/bready malty character flowing into some fresh grassy notes and a tickle of sweet lemon.
The flavor seemed to blend all of the previously mentioned aromas together sweetly with a soft touch of dry bitterness coming about right on into the aftertaste which was quite abrupt.
The mouthfeel was between light and medium bodied with a fair sessionable sort of quality about it. Carbonation and ABV felt good. Quite crisp and dry on the finish.
Overall, pretty nice as a German pilsner. I didn't mind the drier patches of maltiness.
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4.2/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into glass from pint can. Deep gold color, no haze. Smells faintly of toast, not much hop aroma. Noticeable roast malt flavor with firm hop bitterness. Medium body. Overall a good craft version of a classic style. More robust malt flavor and bitterness than imported German pils.
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look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into glass from pint can. Deep gold color, no haze. Smells faintly of toast, not much hop aroma. Noticeable roast malt flavor with firm hop bitterness. Medium body. Overall a good craft version of a classic style. More robust malt flavor and bitterness than imported German pils.
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3.99/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I tried this on draft at Rivermarket Bar and Grill in Westchester, NY. It poured a clear golden with white head that left a nice lace. The scent had faint grain and grass notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with pilsner hop presence. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall its a solid beer.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I tried this on draft at Rivermarket Bar and Grill in Westchester, NY. It poured a clear golden with white head that left a nice lace. The scent had faint grain and grass notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with pilsner hop presence. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall its a solid beer.
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3.69/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
L: Poured from a tallboy can to a pilsner glass. Had a bright yellow color and a clear consistency. There was a half inch of foamy, somewhat long-lasting head. Middling lacing.
S: A decent, but not great, aroma of malt, hops, a grassy quality, and citrus fruit.
T: Tasted of a bit of the grassy quality (less than expected), a ton of malt, lots of bitter hops (especially in the finish), a little honey, light citrus notes (lemon), and a bready quality as well. Kind of an uneven flavor for the most part. It's super malty up front, but the hops in the finish is quite jarring. Not bad, but a little shaky.
F: A good amount of carbonation with a lively finish. Light-bodied.
O: This beer has its good attributes, but it's a little unfocused. Worth a look, though.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
L: Poured from a tallboy can to a pilsner glass. Had a bright yellow color and a clear consistency. There was a half inch of foamy, somewhat long-lasting head. Middling lacing.
S: A decent, but not great, aroma of malt, hops, a grassy quality, and citrus fruit.
T: Tasted of a bit of the grassy quality (less than expected), a ton of malt, lots of bitter hops (especially in the finish), a little honey, light citrus notes (lemon), and a bready quality as well. Kind of an uneven flavor for the most part. It's super malty up front, but the hops in the finish is quite jarring. Not bad, but a little shaky.
F: A good amount of carbonation with a lively finish. Light-bodied.
O: This beer has its good attributes, but it's a little unfocused. Worth a look, though.
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3.74/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A- Tallboy into a chalice with a pale golden straw hue and a frothy, foamy white head. Somewhat hazy, an American twist on the style. The cap rises to about a finger high with decent retention. A ring at the edges of the beer leaves spotty lacing.
S- The aroma is bready with a touch of honey and light crackers. Hops are floral and spicy with the lightest hint of lemon/citrus in the backdrop.
T- Grainier here than in the aroma as that note joins the bread, honey, light crackers from the aroma and a subtle sweetness. A spicy bitterness from the hops which also leave flowery, herbal and grassy notes. The sweetness grows just a bit more than expected.
MF- Fluffy and creamy light end body that is nowhere near thin or watery. A high level of carbonation and a bitter grip on the palate in the finish.
The cloudiness is not traditional but at the same time it doesn't really change the experience much. The aroma is well done but the flavor brings just a bit more sweetness than one might expect in the style as it tastes almost sugary in the late finish.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A- Tallboy into a chalice with a pale golden straw hue and a frothy, foamy white head. Somewhat hazy, an American twist on the style. The cap rises to about a finger high with decent retention. A ring at the edges of the beer leaves spotty lacing.
S- The aroma is bready with a touch of honey and light crackers. Hops are floral and spicy with the lightest hint of lemon/citrus in the backdrop.
T- Grainier here than in the aroma as that note joins the bread, honey, light crackers from the aroma and a subtle sweetness. A spicy bitterness from the hops which also leave flowery, herbal and grassy notes. The sweetness grows just a bit more than expected.
MF- Fluffy and creamy light end body that is nowhere near thin or watery. A high level of carbonation and a bitter grip on the palate in the finish.
The cloudiness is not traditional but at the same time it doesn't really change the experience much. The aroma is well done but the flavor brings just a bit more sweetness than one might expect in the style as it tastes almost sugary in the late finish.
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4.05/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Can, no date:
Pours lightly golden, with barely a hint of very light haze in its body. The head was nice and white, but didn't hold its structure very long, and faded fairly quickly to a razor thin collar (if that thick). The non-lasting head is a real detraction, especailly with no lacing.
Nose is initially a yeasty bread - almost like a sourdough, but a dry, not too tangy sourdough. It's not bad the tangy"sourness" is light, and even better that it doesn't seem to last the whole beer. Crusty bread notes in general do last, however. Very light, indistinct fruit and grape leave or grass notes also exist. I might go up a notch in this category with my next can.
My initial sips also seemed to have that tang, but it seemed to wash off my palate fairly quickly - with none remaining at all by mid-glass. Hearty white bread, moderate yeast influence, and a dry grass to fruit leave bitter balancing notes, with perhaps just a few specks of orange zest. End up slightly bitter over most of my tongue, though the malt seems to hang on barely to the tip of my tongue.
I ended up finding this a fairly enjoyable beer. I'd wish for a little more heady of a brew, and wished I was getting a cleaner nose, but I can't complain about a moderately carbonated, fairly clean, refreshing beer.
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look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Can, no date:
Pours lightly golden, with barely a hint of very light haze in its body. The head was nice and white, but didn't hold its structure very long, and faded fairly quickly to a razor thin collar (if that thick). The non-lasting head is a real detraction, especailly with no lacing.
Nose is initially a yeasty bread - almost like a sourdough, but a dry, not too tangy sourdough. It's not bad the tangy"sourness" is light, and even better that it doesn't seem to last the whole beer. Crusty bread notes in general do last, however. Very light, indistinct fruit and grape leave or grass notes also exist. I might go up a notch in this category with my next can.
My initial sips also seemed to have that tang, but it seemed to wash off my palate fairly quickly - with none remaining at all by mid-glass. Hearty white bread, moderate yeast influence, and a dry grass to fruit leave bitter balancing notes, with perhaps just a few specks of orange zest. End up slightly bitter over most of my tongue, though the malt seems to hang on barely to the tip of my tongue.
I ended up finding this a fairly enjoyable beer. I'd wish for a little more heady of a brew, and wished I was getting a cleaner nose, but I can't complain about a moderately carbonated, fairly clean, refreshing beer.
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4.04/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A 16 oz Christmas present from my daughter of NYC beers that don't seem to make it to Ohio. Really like the color scheme on the can. Poured into a Nonic produced a large fluffy head that slowly dissipated leaving a bit of lacing over a slightly hazy dark gold color.
Pleasant slightly sweet Pilsner smell. Taste is slightly peppery bread with no intrusive hops. Mouthfeel is what I expect from a Pilsner. Solid beer. Well done, daughter.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A 16 oz Christmas present from my daughter of NYC beers that don't seem to make it to Ohio. Really like the color scheme on the can. Poured into a Nonic produced a large fluffy head that slowly dissipated leaving a bit of lacing over a slightly hazy dark gold color.
Pleasant slightly sweet Pilsner smell. Taste is slightly peppery bread with no intrusive hops. Mouthfeel is what I expect from a Pilsner. Solid beer. Well done, daughter.
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3.85/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a fairly clear yellow, with soft foamy head.
Smell is bready and clean. Nice malt and some floral hops.
Tasty is nice and malty, clean and crisp. Soft bitterness, and some peppery hops.
Mouthfeel is medium and well carbonated.
Overall, a solid, clean and drinkable pilsner.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a fairly clear yellow, with soft foamy head.
Smell is bready and clean. Nice malt and some floral hops.
Tasty is nice and malty, clean and crisp. Soft bitterness, and some peppery hops.
Mouthfeel is medium and well carbonated.
Overall, a solid, clean and drinkable pilsner.
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4.97/5 rDev +29.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Chill haze. Slight sediment in suspension, which I wasn't crazy about for the style but damn this beer is an achievement. To me, this is a near perfect beer. Smells like weed. Crackery malt. Clean, ultimate crispiness levels. Total crusher. When you go to NYC, go to Other Half for a can release, for an IPA or two, but go to Threes to actually celebrate beer. Cheers.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Chill haze. Slight sediment in suspension, which I wasn't crazy about for the style but damn this beer is an achievement. To me, this is a near perfect beer. Smells like weed. Crackery malt. Clean, ultimate crispiness levels. Total crusher. When you go to NYC, go to Other Half for a can release, for an IPA or two, but go to Threes to actually celebrate beer. Cheers.
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4.16/5 rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 oz can (yay!) dated 2/15/17. Poured into Belgian ale glass.
L: 3F+ head with lots of lacing, good retention, cap and ring. Beer is a clear pale straw golden with visible carbonation bubbles.
S: Nice Pilsner malt, yeast, citrus, and floral. Quite nice.
T: Follows nose, generally speaking. Malty and citrusy, with nice yeasty and more malty taste as it develops. Good drying, nice and crisp.
F: Light bodied, moderately to strongly carbonated for good drying. Good construction, balance is pretty decent.
O: Very nice Pilsner.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 oz can (yay!) dated 2/15/17. Poured into Belgian ale glass.
L: 3F+ head with lots of lacing, good retention, cap and ring. Beer is a clear pale straw golden with visible carbonation bubbles.
S: Nice Pilsner malt, yeast, citrus, and floral. Quite nice.
T: Follows nose, generally speaking. Malty and citrusy, with nice yeasty and more malty taste as it develops. Good drying, nice and crisp.
F: Light bodied, moderately to strongly carbonated for good drying. Good construction, balance is pretty decent.
O: Very nice Pilsner.
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4.52/5 rDev +17.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Can purchased at Stoneyard Craft Beer Hall and Grill in Webster, NY.
This one pours a nice glowing and clear orange color, with a small head, and a good level of lacing.
Smells like everything I want a pilsner to smell like- crackery pilsner malt, dry grassy hops, slight minerally yeast, and something vaguely floral. It smells pretty great.
This has to be one of the best American made pilsners that I've ever had. It's certainly a good hop flavor to it, as a good pilsner should, but it's not overdone like most American pilsners. The grassy and dry hop flavors marries incredibly with with the crusty and crackery bready pilsner malt flavor- the flavor kind of reminds me of those water crackers. There's a very slight mineral flavor on the finish as well.
This has a very crisp mouthfeel, it's dry, clean, and light, with a good level of carbonation.
Threes should be commended for making a truly killer pilsner. They should also be commended for actually making it to style. It's a treat to get something like this here, as normally you would have to go to Germany to get something authentic like this. It's just so crunchy and so crispy. It's always nice to get reinvigorated in a style like this.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Can purchased at Stoneyard Craft Beer Hall and Grill in Webster, NY.
This one pours a nice glowing and clear orange color, with a small head, and a good level of lacing.
Smells like everything I want a pilsner to smell like- crackery pilsner malt, dry grassy hops, slight minerally yeast, and something vaguely floral. It smells pretty great.
This has to be one of the best American made pilsners that I've ever had. It's certainly a good hop flavor to it, as a good pilsner should, but it's not overdone like most American pilsners. The grassy and dry hop flavors marries incredibly with with the crusty and crackery bready pilsner malt flavor- the flavor kind of reminds me of those water crackers. There's a very slight mineral flavor on the finish as well.
This has a very crisp mouthfeel, it's dry, clean, and light, with a good level of carbonation.
Threes should be commended for making a truly killer pilsner. They should also be commended for actually making it to style. It's a treat to get something like this here, as normally you would have to go to Germany to get something authentic like this. It's just so crunchy and so crispy. It's always nice to get reinvigorated in a style like this.
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4.48/5 rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours with no head and a hazy copper color. The nose pure pilsner. The taste is light on the hops and a good balance of malts. The aftertaste is dry and clean. I like the effervescence that seems to last.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours with no head and a hazy copper color. The nose pure pilsner. The taste is light on the hops and a good balance of malts. The aftertaste is dry and clean. I like the effervescence that seems to last.
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3.49/5 rDev -9.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I nabbed a sixer of this at Threes for something like $17.00 USD.
CAN: 12 fl oz. Blue label. Aluminum. Standard pull-tab.
"Pilsner." Canned 11/11/16. No ABV listed on the label.
HEAD: Fluffy off-white cap with a soft even consistency and a nice overall complexion. Leaves light lacing on the sides of the glass as it slowly recedes, which takes a good 8-10 minutes.
BODY: Clear yellow of average vibrance. Clean, lacking any visible yeast particulate or hop sediment.
Appears well-carbonated. Not a unique or special appearance for the style, but it's right on the money for a pilsner.
AROMA: Soft crackery malts, fresh pilsner malts, straw, subtle floral and grassy hops, minerally soft water, a kiss of toast. Suggests a dry yet refreshing pilsner with a more crackery malt backbone than that found in most American pilsners. I love that it's subtly hopped, staying true to the tradition of the style; so many American attempts at pilsners are overhopped and imbalanced, as though the brewers were more interested in brewing an IPL.
Aromatic intensity is average (which is to say, it's mild). I'm eager to try this; it seems true to form.
TASTE & TEXTURE: Depth of flavour is excellent, with a surprisingly medium-bodied texture amplifying each constituent note. Dry crackery malts, fresh pilsner malts, grassy hops, floral hops...it's actually true to the pilsner style (a rarity coming from an American brewery). Well balanced, with none of the overhopping seen in damn near every craft pilsner I've tried from the U.S. There's a nice push-pull of bitterness and grain, and it boldly goes dry and coarse, bordering on scratchy, but reigns it in keeping it refreshing in spite of its medium body. This is weightier on the palate than most pilsners, but brings the flavour to justify its presence on the palate. A biteen oily, but perfectly carbonated (with a bit of clean pilsner sharpness in there).
Well built, with lasting flavour duration and average flavour intensity.
OVERALL: Drinkable enjoyable fare. Shockingly good for an American pilsner. In contrast to pilsner-cum-IPL favourites like Victory's Prima Pils, Threes' Vliet is both bold and experimental while also being true to the style's foundations. Remarkably well done fare from Threes, and easily my favourite beer of their's I've yet tried, Vliet is a treat of a pilsner that will likely fly under the radar given drinkers' fascination with less subtly executed styles. Those discerning drinkers who respect a good pilsner will enjoy the artful balance and delicate flavour profile showcased in this offering. The harmony between the texture and the taste alone makes this a must-try. Hat tip to Threes for a job well done in an underappreciated style. This is the kind of approachable "anytime" brew every brewery would do well to offer.
High B (3.49) / GOOD
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look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I nabbed a sixer of this at Threes for something like $17.00 USD.
CAN: 12 fl oz. Blue label. Aluminum. Standard pull-tab.
"Pilsner." Canned 11/11/16. No ABV listed on the label.
HEAD: Fluffy off-white cap with a soft even consistency and a nice overall complexion. Leaves light lacing on the sides of the glass as it slowly recedes, which takes a good 8-10 minutes.
BODY: Clear yellow of average vibrance. Clean, lacking any visible yeast particulate or hop sediment.
Appears well-carbonated. Not a unique or special appearance for the style, but it's right on the money for a pilsner.
AROMA: Soft crackery malts, fresh pilsner malts, straw, subtle floral and grassy hops, minerally soft water, a kiss of toast. Suggests a dry yet refreshing pilsner with a more crackery malt backbone than that found in most American pilsners. I love that it's subtly hopped, staying true to the tradition of the style; so many American attempts at pilsners are overhopped and imbalanced, as though the brewers were more interested in brewing an IPL.
Aromatic intensity is average (which is to say, it's mild). I'm eager to try this; it seems true to form.
TASTE & TEXTURE: Depth of flavour is excellent, with a surprisingly medium-bodied texture amplifying each constituent note. Dry crackery malts, fresh pilsner malts, grassy hops, floral hops...it's actually true to the pilsner style (a rarity coming from an American brewery). Well balanced, with none of the overhopping seen in damn near every craft pilsner I've tried from the U.S. There's a nice push-pull of bitterness and grain, and it boldly goes dry and coarse, bordering on scratchy, but reigns it in keeping it refreshing in spite of its medium body. This is weightier on the palate than most pilsners, but brings the flavour to justify its presence on the palate. A biteen oily, but perfectly carbonated (with a bit of clean pilsner sharpness in there).
Well built, with lasting flavour duration and average flavour intensity.
OVERALL: Drinkable enjoyable fare. Shockingly good for an American pilsner. In contrast to pilsner-cum-IPL favourites like Victory's Prima Pils, Threes' Vliet is both bold and experimental while also being true to the style's foundations. Remarkably well done fare from Threes, and easily my favourite beer of their's I've yet tried, Vliet is a treat of a pilsner that will likely fly under the radar given drinkers' fascination with less subtly executed styles. Those discerning drinkers who respect a good pilsner will enjoy the artful balance and delicate flavour profile showcased in this offering. The harmony between the texture and the taste alone makes this a must-try. Hat tip to Threes for a job well done in an underappreciated style. This is the kind of approachable "anytime" brew every brewery would do well to offer.
High B (3.49) / GOOD
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3.74/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear light golden color. Aroma is malty and has a light grassy / grainy nite. Flavor is a classic Pilsner malt with a hint of bitterness on the back end. Body is a little light and has some carbonation. Overall ok but one of the better pilsners I've had.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a clear light golden color. Aroma is malty and has a light grassy / grainy nite. Flavor is a classic Pilsner malt with a hint of bitterness on the back end. Body is a little light and has some carbonation. Overall ok but one of the better pilsners I've had.
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4.07/5 rDev +6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
12 ounce can into a perfect pint glass.
Settles in the glass with some haze and cloudiness, a straw color at the base and more golden closer to the pale white, pillow-like head. Lace is plentiful. 4.25
Smells lemony, grassy and crackery. Straightforward, clean and very true to style. 4
I like what they've done with the flavor here. Still very grassy and a touch spicy, maybe Saaz hops, but there's also a very gentle citrusy note here. The finish leads to lightly sweet, crackery flavor. A lingering flavor of herbal, grassy hops sticks to the tongue. 4
Each sip starts bitterly and with a lick of spiciness before giving way too a mellower, sweeter bit. The body feels creamy but light and refreshing and the dry finish invokes successive sips. This is dead on for me. 4.5
That Threes can make such killer IPAs and then knock a pils out of the park is impressive. These guys are talented.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
12 ounce can into a perfect pint glass.
Settles in the glass with some haze and cloudiness, a straw color at the base and more golden closer to the pale white, pillow-like head. Lace is plentiful. 4.25
Smells lemony, grassy and crackery. Straightforward, clean and very true to style. 4
I like what they've done with the flavor here. Still very grassy and a touch spicy, maybe Saaz hops, but there's also a very gentle citrusy note here. The finish leads to lightly sweet, crackery flavor. A lingering flavor of herbal, grassy hops sticks to the tongue. 4
Each sip starts bitterly and with a lick of spiciness before giving way too a mellower, sweeter bit. The body feels creamy but light and refreshing and the dry finish invokes successive sips. This is dead on for me. 4.5
That Threes can make such killer IPAs and then knock a pils out of the park is impressive. These guys are talented.
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3.78/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
The beer comes in a medium hazy straw color.
The flavor pops of grass, lemon peel, onto some medium grainy sweetness, a medium minus crackery sweetness, onto more lingering bitterness with some earthy and herbal bitterness on the finish.
The mouthfeel is medium minus with a soft quality from the subtle carbonation.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
The beer comes in a medium hazy straw color.
The flavor pops of grass, lemon peel, onto some medium grainy sweetness, a medium minus crackery sweetness, onto more lingering bitterness with some earthy and herbal bitterness on the finish.
The mouthfeel is medium minus with a soft quality from the subtle carbonation.
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3.79/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bought this last week as part of Threes first can release. Like the smaller size of this and the "Summer of Pils" stamped on the bottom as well as the 6/1 date! There was lots of other aspects of this beer to like as well, as this was true to stylistic form, easy to drink, and filling enough while not coming across as too light.
Nice pour to this as this had a golden hue with a moderate amount of haze and a head that was much larger than I anticipated. Lots of lacing left behind as the middle of my pint glass was coated heavily with the stuff! The aroma was grassy with some floral notes and with European hops thrown in for good measure. A moderate amount of grain could be discerned in the taste with lots of sour grass underneath that, with a hint of lemon zest and citrus to liven things up. Big amount of herbal tea in the aftertaste with a bit of cracker to accompany that, as this was medium-bodied, balanced, and carbonated just enough to scrub the harsher notes aside after a fair while.
While technically not a session beer, it would be easy to down more than one in a sitting. Fans of "brighter" takes on this style might be a tad disappointed here but this was a great take on the style that doesn't have many examples here in the states. A worthy introduction to German Pilseners and a great brew to have on this cool morning, as the spring nights turn into summer days. Nice job by Threes!
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bought this last week as part of Threes first can release. Like the smaller size of this and the "Summer of Pils" stamped on the bottom as well as the 6/1 date! There was lots of other aspects of this beer to like as well, as this was true to stylistic form, easy to drink, and filling enough while not coming across as too light.
Nice pour to this as this had a golden hue with a moderate amount of haze and a head that was much larger than I anticipated. Lots of lacing left behind as the middle of my pint glass was coated heavily with the stuff! The aroma was grassy with some floral notes and with European hops thrown in for good measure. A moderate amount of grain could be discerned in the taste with lots of sour grass underneath that, with a hint of lemon zest and citrus to liven things up. Big amount of herbal tea in the aftertaste with a bit of cracker to accompany that, as this was medium-bodied, balanced, and carbonated just enough to scrub the harsher notes aside after a fair while.
While technically not a session beer, it would be easy to down more than one in a sitting. Fans of "brighter" takes on this style might be a tad disappointed here but this was a great take on the style that doesn't have many examples here in the states. A worthy introduction to German Pilseners and a great brew to have on this cool morning, as the spring nights turn into summer days. Nice job by Threes!
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3.84/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Not a big enough pilsener drinker to go too far here, but the beer had a light but full character, a bit more chew than I was expecting; solid grain and cracker impressions, perhaps of the heartier style? Hoppage was flowery and herbal, with a hint of pine and citrus.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Not a big enough pilsener drinker to go too far here, but the beer had a light but full character, a bit more chew than I was expecting; solid grain and cracker impressions, perhaps of the heartier style? Hoppage was flowery and herbal, with a hint of pine and citrus.
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4/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
on draft at one mile house. threes is a local new York brewery, which I didn't know prior to ordering this beer. really crisp, smooth, and hoppy pils. great mouth feel for a lager and complex flavor as well
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
on draft at one mile house. threes is a local new York brewery, which I didn't know prior to ordering this beer. really crisp, smooth, and hoppy pils. great mouth feel for a lager and complex flavor as well
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3.59/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On-tap at the brewery. Clear straw yellow in color. Grassy hops dominate the aroma with some light pils malt. Clean flavor and dry, but the hops are a little on the skunky side. Light bodied but not as smooth as some other pilsners. Still a decent, easy drinking option.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On-tap at the brewery. Clear straw yellow in color. Grassy hops dominate the aroma with some light pils malt. Clean flavor and dry, but the hops are a little on the skunky side. Light bodied but not as smooth as some other pilsners. Still a decent, easy drinking option.
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Vliet from Threes Brewing
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
98 ratings
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