Strata Pils
Untitled Art

RB transfer

bright and fresh, these guys are doing well here in idaho, i see their stuff all over, and i think its cool they do a non alcoholic version of this or something like it too, unique to have those options, and i liked this one quite well on tap. nicely refined looking, sunny golden colored and clear with great carbonation and a fluffy inch of white head, peaky and airy. the hops are unique in this, strata is a cool selection, the malt is fuller, probably eraclea, maybe a little crystal too, a touch sweet and lightly toasted, even slightly caramelized to me, but it sets the hops up well, dry hoppy, not bitter, plenty fresh, well dosed, not super crisp i guess, which would be my only real critique. the flavor is neat, the hops are evident all through it, floral up front, more lime and honeydew later, never bitter or snappy, it could use a little of that, and runs fuller, longer, and sweeter without it. i do like all the grain character, thats where the authenticity comes from for me with this, definitely european and richer than most, and the lagering is clean and proper, its tidy. good mineral profile, some terroir even, and good carbonation. strata hits a slight spring onion note, but only for a flash, and overall i like how much character this has, even if its not quite as poundable as my favorite examples of the style. cool beer, one of the more straightforward ive had from these guys, curious about the non alcoholic one too...

Poured looking unfiltered and had an uncharacteristic (for the style) short white head.
The taste was sort of like a Pilsner, the lemongrass notes were faint but present, and the cracker notes were almost not there. No “pepper” notes at all, nor bitter anything. It didn’t taste bad, just not much like a Pilsner.
The feel was good enough but by then it was a lost cause. Nice enough summer thirst quencher but not so good a Pilsner.

Pours a cloudy golden color. Three finger white sudsy foam forms on the beer, lingers a moment, then starts to dissipate. Thin residual mound of foam remains on the beer. Sticky lacing coats the glass. Aroma has notes of crackery malts, some tangerine and floral hop notes with a slight sweetness presenting on the nose.

Taste has notes of crackery malts, distinct orange and tangerine notes, some orange blossom honey, and a touch of grassy hops. The hops are kind of subdued and not as bright as I want from an Italian pilsner. Feel is medium to heavy bodied, a bit sticky, lacking the crispness I want from an Italian pilsner. Bright carbonation.

Overall its ok. Not really the profile I look for from an "Italian-style pilsner". The hops are interesting - with that citrus note that comes through. I would like to see that hop in some other Italian style pilsners.