7 Stern Europa Pils
Siebensternbräu (7Stern Bräu)

Sampled at the brewpub, this is the best of the brews created in Vienna to honor the European football (soccer) championship. Comes out a slightly cloudy vaguely orangish gold under a thick two finger snow white head with wonderful peaks and valleys. Sheets of thick lace cling to the tapered yet handled glass. The nose is mild - a tad disappointing - with just a hint of malt. The mouth is surprisingly heavy and very well carbonated, coating the palate like syrup and driving home the taste.

And what a taste! This baby is hopped up the wazoo (by Euro standards, anyway), with a lovely floral bitter right from the start. A bit of sweet bready malt tries to offer balance, but ends up accenting instead. The hops are the main attraction, however, strong and dry until well after the swallow. The beer perhaps comes out a bit too cold, as the malt emerges in the nose and taste as it warms. The hops never retreat, but are joined by a more assertive malt at the bottom of the glass. Truly a masterpiece!