Penguin Pils
The Brewer's Art

 

I CANnot tell you how elated I was to see this beer in CANs! I have been a long-time fan of The Brewer's Art, penguins (especially Pittsburgh's) & Pilsners. It was as though this one was meant especially for me & the CANQuest (tm).

From the CAN: "A collaboration with Maryland Zoo"; "The Maryland Zoo is a leader in African penguin conservation. Every Penguin Pils sold supports their efforts."

I really had to work to hold my excitement in check, but I managed to do so in order to Crack! open the vent. I went with a slow, gentle C-Line Glug since I did not want to hurt the Penguin. He responded by foaming up quickly to form just under two fingers of dense, foamy, rocky, bone-white head with very good retention. Color was a slightly-hazy Straw-Yellow (SRM = > 2, < 4). Nose was less Saaz & more citrusy lemon with a biscuit maltiness, putting me in mind of Lemon Biscotti from Enrico's in Pixburgh! Hmm. I just had a GER Pils that was closer to a BoHo/Czech Pils & now, a BoHo/Czech Pils that smells kinda like a GER Pils. 8=O Mouthfeel was medium, fuller than the prvious Pils. The taste was an odd admixture of lemon citrus, grass & hay + biscuit malt. It was mighty close to a GER Pils, but since the hops barely overtook the malt, it stands. I really hate to say this, but I have had it on-tap at the brewery & it was MUCH better. Finish was dry & refreshing, but I was disappointed by it in a CAN. 8=( I would prefer it on-tap. YMMV.

There is something off tasting about this pilsner. We do not like it that much, and would not get it again.

 

 

Pours a crystal clear straw color with thin white head, not much retention.
Smells like bread with a hint of hay.
Nice, bready malt flavors. Some hoppy spice and grassiness.
Light bodied and refreshing.
Not my favorite pils, but it hits the spot.

 

 

If it's no longer brewed, at least you can still find it on tap at the Hard Rock in Baltimore. Excellent example of the style, IMHO. Nice bright straw colored in the glass with decent foam that laced nicely. Subtle balance of hops and malt in the nose and on the tongue. Refreshing hint of bitterness. I enjoyed it. Of course drinking on the water outside in the Inner Harbor helped.