Bottleworks XXIV 12º Czech Pilsner
Whistle Punk Brewing Company

We’re getting down to the end of woemad’s first BIF box to me, with only 2 left. This is the last of the Whistle Punk beers he sent me, a brewery which I’ve quite enjoyed so far. Let’s see how they do with yet another classic style

Pours a clear gold with a finger of creamy white head that fades to a ring and leaves minimal lacing

The nose is bright but there's a raw grainy vibe to keep it in check. I'm picking up on aromas of lemon zest, black pepper, crackery malt, raw grain, floral hops, honey, and light grass

It doesn't have quite the same brightness in taste that the aroma offered, but it's got an interesting character regardless. On the front end of the sip I'm tasting bready malt, herbal hops, honey, lemon zest, black pepper, toasted grain, and light apple skin. The swallow brings notes of bready malt, herbal hops, sweet honey, grass, toasted grain, lemon zest, and a touch of black tea

A light medium body pairs with moderate carbonation, resulting in a crisp beer. Finishes a tad sticky but it's not overbearing

This one is a bit unique as far as the style goes, and I can get on board with that. Sweeter and a bit more floral than many

 

Poured from 16oz can into a dimpled mug.

Appearance: medium golden hue with a dash of haze and a thin layer of frothy ivory foam. A nice looking beer, but more head would be nice.

Smell: crisp and grainy with a bit of sweetness and a noticeable dose of earthy, perhaps a bit minty hops. I like it.

Taste: a bit sweet, maybe not as crisp as the aroma, but with a good lager yeasty character. Hops are aplenty in the flavor, with big doses of mint and maybe a bit of lemongrass. An interesting take on the style, but I like it.

Mouthfeel: medium body with a decent carbonation and creaminess.

Overall: I like this beer. It's definitely interesting -- not exactly what I normally think of in a Czech pale lager. It has characteristics I normally associate with a pale ale, but it has that good, crisp, yeasty, lagery thing going for it. Worth checking out!