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Polestar Pilsner
Longmont, Colorado
BJCP Category: 2A German Pilsner
Left Hand Brewing Co. <visit site>
42
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[expand]Total Score: 43/50
An excellent and quaffable German Pilsner. Sulfate/carbonate water treatment accentuates the noble hops. Well executed brewing process provides the Pilsner malt backbone to support the dominant hop profile more >
[close]Total Score: 43/50
Aroma: Sweet, grainy Pils malt aroma with an initial hint of sulfur. There is a bit of alcohol and a low, lingering floral hop aroma. No diacetyl. No-to-low DMS. No fermentation esters. A clean, crisp, inviting lager aroma. (10/12)
Appearance: Light gold color. Brilliant clarity. Dense, rocky white head with sustained head retention. (3/3)
Flavor: Crisp, sweet, grainy, saltine cracker-like malt with medium-high hop bitterness. Low floral hop flavor. A carbonate/sulfate water hardness to the hop profile. No-to-very low DMS. Low sulfur notes through to the finish and aftertaste. No diacetyl. Very clean lager fermentation with no fruity esters. Hops dominate and linger in the dry finish, with excellent support from the Pilsner malt. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a bit lighter mouthfeel due to the lively carbonation. A little warming alcohol. Some hop astringency and dryness. (4/5)
Overall Impression: An excellent and quaffable German Pilsner. Sulfate/carbonate water treatment accentuates the noble hops. Well executed brewing process provides the Pilsner malt backbone to support the dominant hop profile. Right on target for the style. This is like drinking Pilsner in a Gasthaus pub in Northern Germany, enjoyed with a wienerschnitzel and spaetzle lunch. (9/10)
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[expand]Total Score: 40/50
The initial malt aroma hinted at a fuller body and more malt flavor than was present. The graham-like malt and herbal hop quality that made the horehound candy is quite interesting as well, if a bit unexpected more >
[close]Total Score: 40/50
Aroma: Bready, sweet graham-like malt aroma up front with a clean yeast character, and spicy peppery herbal hops coming forward toward the back, reminiscent of old-fashioned horehound candies. (9/12)
Appearance: Very pale yellow, almost dark straw; brilliant clarity with a biscuity white persistent frothy head. (3/3)
Flavor: Bready graham-like malt, still like the horehound candies, is dominated by the assertive herbal hop bitterness and flavor. Balance is toward the pleasant hop character, with a lightly lingering bitterness into the finish. Clean fermentation, with a crisp, clean, and somewhat dry presentation. (16/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium light body with fairly high carbonation level. Creamy textured, not astringent. Prickly carbonation mixes with a hint of alcohol warmth that is both clean and lingering. (5/5)
Overall Impression: The initial malt aroma hinted at a fuller body and more malt flavor than was present. The graham-like malt and herbal hop quality that made the horehound candy is quite interesting as well, if a bit unexpected. A lovely example of a German-style Pils that would go well with a spicy sausage and red cabbage. (7/10)
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[expand]Total Score: 43/50
Great example of a German Pils. The aroma has a little more fruitiness than in most German lagers and the finish could be a little smoother, but everything else is right on the money. more >
[close]Total Score: 43/50
Aroma: Initial burst of DMS (scallions) when the beer is first poured, but this fades into light malt sweetness with a low level of pear-like esters. I pick up a little flowery hop character, and this elevates the fruitiness to a level that is a little higher than classic German Pilsners. A low alcohol level adds to the sweetness. (10/12)
Appearance: Crystal clear with a pale golden color. The white head has tight, uniform beads and great retention. (3/3)
Flavor: The beer starts cleanly, with soft bready and biscuit-like notes and sweetness from continental malt. The hop character develops slowly, with an herbal character that smoothly transitions to a medium-high bitterness that lingers after the beer is swallowed. A low level of DMS in the background adds complexity. Esters are present at a low level, but are more subdued than in the aroma and are at the level I expect in a clean lager style. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: Well-conditioned with a good creaminess that envelopes the palate. A low level of astringency lingers, as well as some mineral notes in the finish. Could be a little smoother, but is still excellent. (4/5)
Overall Impression: Great example of a German Pils. The aroma has a little more fruitiness than in most German lagers and the finish could be a little smoother, but everything else is right on the money. The balance and depth of flavor are both outstanding. Sipping this sample brings back memories of pleasant evenings in northern Germany. (9/10)
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[expand]Total Score: 43/50
ery clean lager. Pure hop and malt flavors. Great balance. Crisp, refreshing finish. Light mineral quality with a hint of esters. It has the freshness that imports often lack. more >
[close]Total Score: 43/50
Aroma: Medium-high hop aroma, spicy and floral. Clean grainy malt nose, with a light malty sweetness. Very light sulfur. Hops dominate malt. Generally clean lager character, with just a hint of pear-like esters. (10/12)
Appearance: Medium-sized pure white head, frothy, moderately persistent. Effervescent. Brilliant clarity. Medium yellow color. (3/3)
Flavor: Initial grainy malt with a strong spicy, floral hop flavor. High bitterness. Crisp, dry finish with a clean aftertaste. Moderately long finish with the grainy-sweet malt flavor and spicy, floral hop flavor lasting on the palate. Fresh and clean taste. Very clean lager character. Just a touch of sulfur. Very light esters accentuate the malty sweetness. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: Medium-to-medium-high carbonation. Medium-to-medium-light body, a touch full. Crisp. (4/5)
Overall Impression: Very clean lager. Pure hop and malt flavors. Great balance. Crisp, refreshing finish. Light mineral quality with a hint of esters. It has the freshness that imports often lack. The hops are forward but not out of balance, and they have an elegant, refined character. Superb drinkability. (9/10)
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