Ris (Lynx) Premium
Pivnica Star Grad Old Town Brewery

Vacationing in Macedonia for years (Macedonian wife) I have had the opportunity to sample several beers from this, their 1st and only microbrewery. A bit of confusion as it is listed here as a European Strong Lager at 7% ABV. I seem to remember this description on the brewery menu a few years ago, however, it is now listed as 5% ABV Premium Pilsner with a strong alcohol finish. Not particularly alcoholic, perhaps the brewery got lazy about changing the description, I choose to review it as a European Pale Lager.
Vacationing in Macedonia for years (Macedonian wife) I have had the opportunity to sample several beers from this, their 1st and only microbrewery. A bit of confusion as it is listed here as a European Strong Lager at 7% ABV. I seem to remember this description on the brewery menu a few years ago, however, it is now listed as 5% ABV with a strong alcohol finish. Not particularly alcoholic, perhaps the brewery got lazy about changing the description, I choose to review it as a German Pilsner.
Pours a lightly cloudy, mostly clear dark yellow color with a well retaining foam head.
The nose opens cleanly, however, soon some earthy hops aromas appear, displaying light notes of herbal dank and sweet grass. Reminds me somewhat of a soaked down version of an American style IPL’s aromatics. The malt aroma is bready with lightly toasty notes.
Well hopped flavor profile overall. Hops flavors of lemon and grass provide a nice zest and herbaceous quality, while there is a modest but assertive bitterness throughout. This well hopped flavor profile is balanced against a clean, dry and neutral malt backbone that carries notes of lightly toasted bread and sourdough.
Medium to light bodied, smoothly carbonated and with a short and crisp dry finish.
Easy to drink and refreshing. I enjoyed this despite the fact that the breweries’ advertisement of beer style it has brewed is confusing to the consumer. Pours a lightly cloudy, mostly clear dark yellow color with a well retaining foam head.
The nose opens cleanly, however, soon some earthy hops aromas appear, displaying light notes of herbal dank and sweet grass. Reminds me somewhat of a soaked down version of an American style IPL’s aromatics. The malt aroma is bready with lightly toasty notes.
Unlike your typical Euro Pale Lager, I feel like this brew emphasizes hops flavors. Hops flavors of lemon and grass provide a nice zest and herbaceous quality, while there is a modest but assertive bitterness throughout. This well hopped flavor profile is balanced against a clean, dry and neutral malt backbone that carries notes of lightly toasted bread and sourdough.
Medium to light bodied, smoothly carbonated and with a short and crisp dry finish.
Easy to drink and refreshing. I enjoyed this despite the fact that the breweries’ advertisement of beer style it has brewed is confusing to the consumer.

C+ / ABOVE AVERAGE