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Brian Eichhorn's picture

Garten Brau Special Pilsner

November, 2017
Judges Rating: 
88
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
3 / 6
Flavor: 
38 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
7 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

German Pils (5D). This Pilsner pours very hazy and pale gold with a sticky white head that lasts. The clarity is definitely an issue and it appears to have fine particulate in suspension. The nose is very fresh and quite herbal, somewhat spicy and even fruity. More of a sharper herbal note and seems German-type hops more than Saaz. The fermentation is quite clean and a light cooked cereal grain quality persists but no DMS. When it hits the tongue, fresh malt dominates initially, followed by a bright and fresh Hallertauer-type hop quality and medium + bitterness that lingers into the dry finish. I get some light melon-type notes. Very tasty and well balanced. While the finish is dry, it lacks crispness. Seems like a possible water issue more than attenuation. In the mouth it is quite carbonated and also creamy, likely due to the particulate in suspension and possible water issue. There's a faint hop astringency as well. Overall, this is very tasty and super drinkable beer that drinks like an American interpretation of a German Pilsner, perhaps even dry hopped? Fresh beer but I wish it were bright to let some of the more subtle elements rise through.