Rock Of Ages
Skull Mechanix Brewing

 

 

cool to have this pretty near to having their german pils, these guys have the lagers down it seems like, this is also really good. for me this is a little lighter, drier, and even more crisp than its german counterpart, paler in color and frothy and bubbly, more visually alive than the german one, but still with some substance. i like the hops in here, saaz type but that might not be all, soft edges but still crisp bitterness, incredibly fresh, with a note of lime zest and melon and even wet wood, quite bold in the finish and carrying on just a little longer than the grain. subtle straw and hay, crackery even doughy old worldy lager yeast, and very dynamic really, insanely refreshing and balanced, to me a bit more drinkable than the german one, but that is generally my personal preference as pils goes. i was impressed overall with the quality of the liquid in here at skull mechanix, especially the lagers. this was one of their best beers that i had for sure, just right in the texas heat!

 

Runs $5 USD per pint at the brewpub. Billed as a Bohemian Pilsner. 4.5% ABV. 38 IBUs.

Pours a clean clear yellow body with a frothy white head 2cm in height. Head retention is ~5 minutes.

Aroma brings Pilsner malt, cracked grain, slightly spicy hops (Saaz I'd reckon), and a hint of an unbunged kellerbier-like dampness that doesn't suit it (or the intended style). Aromatic intensity is average.

Thin on the palate, lacking a robust feel. Overvarbonated and crisp yet dry on the finish. Damp with overtones of kellerbier-like aerated wort...this isn't a clean drinking pilsner at all.

Scratchy. Finishes bitter, which is odd.

Hop profile is a bit grassy but not spicy...if Saaz hops were utilized, they're poorly showcased. I suspect Noble hops of American origin were used (I'd put money against this having been brewed with Czech Saazer Saaz).

Has a vitaminy yeasty note...again, this isn't squeaky clean as a pilsner should be.

Drinks like a Noble-hopped kellerbier, which is fine but it's way off-style. Those hoping for a solid Czech pilsner would he better off sticking to Live Oak's Pilz which is far better executed, cheaper, and much truer to style. Hell, imported Pilsner Urquell that's sat on a tepid shelf for 2 months would probably drink cleaner.

Drinkable, though, and I'll easily polish off the glass. I can't say I'd pay $5 a pint again, though, and if my next Skull Mechanix brew is as off-style as this one it'll be a long time before I'm back... especially since St Elmo is down the street.

C (2.88) / AVERAGE

Talked to the bartender and this is a kellerbier. Flavour is fantastic and clean! One of my favourite pils lately.