Judge’s Review: 95 Rating – Pinky Sweater by Sketchbook Brewing Co.

German Pils | Year-Round | United States

By Jim Koebel

Judges Rating: 95
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Pinky Sweater is a pilsner brewed with red rice, judged as BJCP category 5D, German Pilsner. There is just no way to describe this beer well enough. It begins with a mostly neutral aroma, but with a definite adjunct character. Still, it is very clean. It pours a pale straw color that is crystal clear with a thick, white head. The flavor is similarly neutral, yet has a pleasant herbal hop flavor and low bitterness.  This beer is very well attenuated and has a dry, cleansing finish that is smooth, crisp and the most refreshing thing you’ll drink all summer. It has a medium-light body that possesses a unique texture, making it feel fuller. Despite this beer’s clean and neutral character, there is no mistaking it for a macro lager; its subtleties are revelatory. For the style, it could use more bitterness and aroma hop character, but that’s really beside the point.