[punatic]

Finally found a six pack of Noble Pils.  Very disappointed!  Absolute junk.  Then I noticed the best if consumed before May notch.  Bummer.  I was really looking forward to drinking this beer.  It tasted like Bud Dry. 

[blatz]

Finally found a six pack of Noble Pils.  Very disappointed!  Absolute junk.  Then I noticed the best if consumed before May notch.  Bummer.  I was really looking forward to drinking this beer.  It tasted like Bud Dry. 

I didn't quite like this years as much as I remember liking last years.  That said, I recall last year that it went downhill very, very quick - the bottles I had when it was first released were killer, but as they sat in the fridge over just  a few weeks, it seemed to degrade a lot - this is all from the same 12pk.  I'd still give it a go next year at the start of the season (Jan/Feb/) - YMMV.

[jeffy]

I also thought the hop crispness was less this year, which could have been a recipe change or perhaps oxidation.  There are still some 12 packs in the stores here, but I'm not enjoying it as much as last year.

[majorvices]

I had three or four over at my dad's last weekend. Tasted pretty much the way I remembered it last year. I enjoyed it well enough. Probably my favorite SA beer.

[hoser]

Finally found a six pack of Noble Pils.  Very disappointed!  Absolute junk.  Then I noticed the best if consumed before May notch.  Bummer.  I was really looking forward to drinking this beer.  It tasted like Bud Dry. 

That seems a little harsh?  I have had great SA beers and bad SA beers.  However, I attribute most of the bad SA beers to improper handling, i.e., sitting on a warm shelf in the sunlight.  When Noble Pils is fresh and handled properly, it is hands down one of the better commericial pilsners on the market.  I would give it a second chance if you can find a fresh example.

[thomasbarnes]

Finally found a six pack of Noble Pils.  Very disappointed!  Absolute junk.  Then I noticed the best if consumed before May notch.  Bummer.  I was really looking forward to drinking this beer.  It tasted like Bud Dry. 

Sympathy. Pilsner has to be Fresh, Fresh, Fresh! or it's no good. Try it again next year, or look for 6-packs which have been kept under continuous refrigeration and cross your fingers.

We've got good access to SA products in our area, even so, I've had Noble Pils that tasted just like you described. When it's fresh, though, it's an instant classic.

[punatic]

Very disappointed! ...I noticed the best if consumed before May notch.  Bummer.  I was really looking forward to drinking this beer.

...I attribute most of the bad SA beers to improper handling...  When Noble Pils is fresh and handled properly, it is hands down one of the better commericial pilsners on the market.  I would give it a second chance if you can find a fresh example.

My point exactly. I see many beer knowledgeable people posting good reviews of this beer. I waited a long time with great anticipation, and was snookered by poor handling. 

And yes, it was pretty harsh in flavor... 

[gmac]

Had this on tap the other day when I was in St. Louis.  Had 4 big drafts to make sure I got a good flavour profile and I liked them all.  Certainly a very hop-forward beer compared to the few other pils I've had.  I liked it quite a bit and would get it again if I ever saw it.  I think it would be a nice, occasional summer beer.