Pilsner is the style explored in the latest Paste blind-tasting series , with 134 ranked, and some local examples — including New Realm Euphonia, Wrecking Bar Vivant, and Creature Comforts Legend Has It — among the tops.
As noted in the intro, “In modern American craft beer, pilsner has seen a resurgence … or perhaps the right word is reclamation.”
It’s certainly always been one my favorites, both for refreshment and food pairing, be it German or Czech or the best examples of old school American lager.
But nowadays, of course, the style is subject to lots of tinkering, especially when it comes to additions fruity new hop varieties.
So in honor of pilsner goodness everywhere, SweetWater’s newest brew, Twisted Fish Crystal Pilsner, is today’s Beer Pick.
Beer Pick
Twisted Fish Crystal Pilsner
SweetWater Brewing Co., Atlanta
Available on draft and in 16-ounce cans.
Profile
SweetWater’s newest collaboration was brewed with and for Building Conservation Trust, the Coastal Conservation Association’s National Habitat Program.
It features an interesting blend of Old World and New World ingredients, including Pilsner, Carapils and Vienna malts, traditional Czech yeast, and Crystal, Citra, Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Mittelfruh hops.
The result is light, bright, non-traditional lager, with the pronounced juicy, fruity aromas and flavors of a contemporary IPA. But there are more complex hints of spicy and herbal notes, too, with a welcome burst of bitterness in the clean finish.
Pair with
I’m tempted to say Twisted Fish would pair well with almost anything. But given the charitable cause it supports, enjoy it with summer seafood, including raw oysters, fried clams, shrimp and fish, or a lobster roll.
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