Birkebeinerpils
Victor-23 Craft Brewing

Clear golden brew with abundant foam in the Timmermans goblet. Clean and tangy flavors with a touch of malty sweetness. Lovely flowery aroma with herbs and fresh hay. The magic hop they use here gives it a delicious spicy note along with some citrus flavor. There is some bitterness in the aftertaste but the elegant flavors shine clearly. Overall this is my vote for best Pilsner of the year. From the 16 oz can purchased at Bridge & Tunnel in Astoria.

my first from these guys, and its reputation already precedes it, winning world beer cup gold for international style pils this year, nordic style they call it, you dont see that everyday, and im not positive what makes it nordic, but i sure like the beer, light and crisp, refreshing and easy without being bland or watery or boring in any way, the quality is fantastic, and it does stand as fairly distinct, albeit subtly and still obvious as a pils type, nicely done, keen to try more from this outfit now! sunny yellow colored beer, clear enough without being immaculate, solid white head from the tap, lots of bubbles making it move, looks good in the glass. the nose is tight at first, more grain the hops but enough of both, dry but full character, almost decocted in its subtle complexity, cheerios and saltines, raw cashews and white bread, some cool depth to this, maybe slightly richer than many without being sweet, and the hops are softly herbal, only faintly bitter, fresh as can be but minimal really, yeast is loosely familiar, perhaps faint astringency as it warms, but overall very appealing, and the flavor is too, old worldy but not quite exactly czech or german to me, although it does exhibit elements of both, bready without being toasted, hoppy without being too bitter or out of balance. the ferment is the interesting part of this one though despite the malt nuance, its almost got a tang as it warms, but its more the minerality, its identifying element perhaps, snappy and dry and crisping through too, and this is refreshing and effortless. i really hope to get the chance to drink this one again, lots of personality, no frills, would love to know more about the ingredients and what makes it nordic style, but this is nice.