Judge’s Review: 86 Rating – June Pils by Yellowhammer Brewing

New Zealand Pilsner | Year-Round | USA

By Sal Mortillaro II

Judges Rating: 86.00
Aroma: 21.00
Appearance: 4.00
Flavor: 35.00
Mouthfeel: 10.00
Overall Impression: 16.00

June Pils by Yellowhammer Brewing is being evaluated as Style X5 (New Zealand Pilsner) per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines, while keeping in mind the use of French malt and hops.
This beer pours a golden color with a hazy clarity. A rocky off-white head of small and medium bubbles is sustained during the entire drinking experience. On the nose is a medium-low grainy malt with a touch of bready malt character. A medium citrus character of pithy orange is at the front as well. The fermentation on this beer is clean.
On the sip a very refreshing character comes through that is immediately apparent. It is not watery, but very drinkable. There is a low grainy flavor with a very low malt sweetness. This sweetness is quickly taken over by a low bitterness with the low orange and slightly pithy flavor from the hops also coming into play. A very slight fruity earthiness lingers in the aftertaste; almost similar to the flavor of a high-quality olive oil. This beer finishes dry and clean but with a touch of hop-driven spice and low lingering bitterness. This beer has a medium-thin body with medium carbonation. There is no warmth, creaminess, or astringency in this beer.
Overall, this is a Very Good beer that makes nice use of French ingredients. It is easy to drink and still extremely flavorful. As the heat of early summer comes upon us, there is no doubt the name of this beer is no coincidence; it is a great thirst quencher for a hot summer day.