Strata Hopped Pilsner
Ola Brewing Corporation

 

was stoked on most of the ola lineup, and this is another good one. a modern and tidy pils with a pretty robust dosing of strata, which is obvious in aroma and flavor but integrated so well, nothing green or forced here, and its a really nice base on which to showcase this varietal, super modern lager overall, and quite well refined to me even though its not perfectly clear. gold to light brass in color, airy white head from the tap, immediate enticing aroma, white coconut, watermelon rind, dewy wet lawn in the early morning, and some light lemon and lime soda too, on top of simple but not neutral pils malt with some minerality coming through and a light lager strain well deployed. its cohesive and fresh, not overly european as these go, definitely a hybrid type with the new school hops. the flavor is cool because the hops start early, not quite juicy but bright right away, definite coconut, possible white peach, meyer lemon, sligtly oily and with just a hint of grapey character too, distinctive. the grain is familiar and lightly bready, while the yeast is real subtle in this, but it comes together really well, bitterness is low for it being as hopped up as it is, still snappy to finish, perhaps slightly maltier than it needs to be, in that its not crazy light to drink, but the balance is key and the freshness makes it addicting anyway. real cool take on the style!