Judge’s Review: 96 Rating – No Frills Pils by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.

German Pils | Year-Round | USA

By Dan Martich

Judges Rating: 96.00
Aroma: 24.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 39.00
Mouthfeel: 7.00
Overall Impression: 20.00

No Frills Pils by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a German Pils (Category 5D) from the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines.
This beer opens with typical noble hop aromas of floral and spicy character along with a moderate malt background characteristic of pilsner malt, which is similar to unsalted saltine crackers.
This beer poured deep yellow with a clarity that was crystal clear. A thick white foamy head crowned the glass, and, as I looked down many bubbles were seen rising to the top, indicating the light viscosity and carbonation level.
The flavor starts with a malty forwardness, as in the aroma of unsalted saltines and dough. The malt flavor is quickly replaced by the hops with their floral and spicy character, then very quickly replaced again by the moderately high bitterness—as is appropriate for this style. While the bitterness is moderately high, it is in balance with the flavor of this beer, which finishes very dry on the palate. The noble hops play well with the malt with an agreeable spicy characteristic that adds dimension and weight.
Medium-full body with moderately high carbonation keeps this beer on point. There’s a pronounced drying sensation in the mouth due to its high bitterness, which aids drinkability.
An excellent example of the style, one that includes all the attributes, large and small of a German Pils. This one resembles a northern German Pils with its higher sulfate water profile. The aroma, appearance, flavor and mouthfeel are all in perfect harmony. This is a deliciously drinkable beer, and one that accentuates the term quaffable. After the big reveal, this judge was surprised that this beer didn’t come from Germany. Kudos to the brewing team at Wallenpaupack!