Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – 99Xperiment by Mutation Brewing

German Pils | Collaboration | USA

By Joseph Formanek

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 19

99Xperiment by Mutation Brewing was reviewed as a BJCP Category 5D, German Pils, per the 2021 BJCP style guidelines. This beer demonstrates the creativity that craft brewers are able to accomplish. This beer is considered to be a West Coast pilsner according to the brewery. The West Coast pilsner style is one that is not yet recognized by the BJCP, but in essence it is a dry hopped German pils using typical American or hops other than the traditional noble hops seen in the style. Therefore, this beer is being evaluated a with dispensations for hop character. Looking at this description, this example does not disappoint!
The aroma is mild, with a dank hop character of citrus, orange and grapefruit notes along with a slight sulfury note coming from the pils malt. The fermentation is quite clean as expected for a pilsner. The brew is a slightly hazy (for a German pils) light-golden color with a moderate, white, small-bubble head with lace and fair retention. The slight haze is probably coming from the dry hopping.
The flavor follows the aroma quite well. There is a clean pils malt backbone with a moderate dank hop flavor and bitterness. There is a slight residual malt sweetness that comes through in the middle and finish, however, the hop bitterness that’s present balances this out quite well to deliver a moderately dry and satisfying finish that prepares the palate very well for the next sip. The fermentation character is quite clean and neutral with no off-flavors noted.  he carbonation is moderately low, and the body is low to medium. 
Overall, this brew is very reminiscent of a cold IPA with pils malt character and cleaner fermentation. It is a quite enjoyable and refreshing quaffer that has enough flavor to satisfy, while also being restrained enough to balance out the rest of the package. Very nice, and definitely recommended for those who would like to experience a great example of a new delightful beer style.