Omerta Italian Pilsner
Ethereal Brewing

 

 

The quest to broaden the spectrum of craft beer consumership, the stalwart lager has become commonplace among brewer taprooms. But the quest for a standout name, taste and character is still on the forefront of brewers minds like those at Ethereal who turn to the "Italian" lager making for such a brand.

Omerta pours with a slightly hazier gold color than is usual. But its racy carbonation and spritzy froth is common for that generic European pilsner appearance. Mild aromas of floral honeysuckle and peppery hops decorate a nose otherwise grainy, partly malted and slightly grassy. Early sweetness frames a raw grain taste with hints of bread and straw looming.

As the sweetness recedes slowly on the middle palate, the light esters of apple and pear begin to show. Followed with a slight sense of sulfur, the beer leads from a floral hop upstart to a spicy, grassy and nearly mint bitterness on the late palate.

Medium bodied for later, a semblance to Czech styled lager emerges with a light toasted balance from the medium hop bitterness. Light in character, this Italian pilsner is likely fine with timid pasta dishes or to wash down the thirst during hot weather but simply lacks the character of Northern Geraman Lager or Bohemian Pilsner.