I bought a six pack of this Pilsner because it was new. It is pretty refreshing and has a good taste to it. I am always out to try something new. I prefer to keep it local, but I will say Samuel Adams opened up my eyes to the craft beer scene. When they offer something new, I try to try it. This one was pretty good. A relaxing beer made with the normal hop varieties I have come to like but this one added a new one to the mix...Herkules and Mandarina.
This beer is easy drinking unlike some of the IPA's that are out now that leave you smacking your gums because of the bitterness. This beer is dry hopped with the new variety, Mandarina. Interesting flavor, I think it is has a distinct citrus note to it. Let's see what SA has to say about it.
Hop Varieties: Hallertau, Mittelfrueh and Hersbrucker Noble Hops, Herkules and Mandarina
Malts: Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, German pilsner malt
Yeast: Samuel Adams lager yeast
"A laid back golden pilsner that's full of character. The fun of brewing is that it's always evolving, even in the world's most popular beer style, the pilsner, there is still room for creativity. For our German pilsner we wanted to showcase both new and heritage hops from the original hop gardens of Bavaria. The classic Noble Hops offer a floral spiciness while the new varieties create a fruity and citrusy character for an elegant, light bodied yet flavorful beer."
"To give this beer a variety of notes including spicy, floral and earthy, our German Pilsner showcases Hallertau and Hersbrucker Noble hops from the world's oldest growing regions in Bavaria. To round out the balance of the hops, we added German Pils Malt and pale malts for a subtle biscuit notes."
"To add a unique twist for our Downtime Pilsner, we dry hopped this brew with a new hop variety, Mandarina. Dry hopping is a technique of adding hops later in the process for added impact. During the first portion of the brewing, hops are added to the boil where they contribute bitterness to balance the brew's malt sweetness but some of their character is lost in the process. Adding another addition of hops later during dry hopping bring out the flavor and aroma in the finished beer. For Downtime Pilsner, we dry hopped with Mandarina, a newly developed variety, which gives the beer notes of tangerine and citrus and a delicate flavor."
