Imperial Pilsner
Bear Island Brewing Company

i was excited to see this one on the board when i was in, and i really enjoyed the beer, loved it in fact, until i had it next to their brewhouse #6 regular pils, which is just incredible, far better than it was the last time i had it almost a year ago, and it made me appreciate this stronger version a little less, but this is still really well done beer. i like that i can smell and taste the lager yeast through it, and that its neither sweet nor boozy, as this style tends to run. bright and clear and very active and heady in the glass, light honey to the nose, some minerals that get a touch metallic as it warms, but it kind of fits the style, bready and crackery lager yeast and pils malts working together, and an unexpected dry finish. some light herbal hop character to this, maybe noble types, but very mild. just a little alcohol to it as it warms up too, but its pleasing to me in this context, but i am glad its not any stronger. awesome carbonation keeps it crisp and moving. a well refined strong lager with some european character to it, dangerously drinkable, and really good overall, but their house pils is next level!