New Belgium Brewing Blue Paddle
What the brewers say
Our first foray into lagered beers, Blue Paddle Pilsener-Lager, is a Czech style pilsener with a refreshing crispness from noble hops and a rich, malty finish. ‘Blue Paddle’ refers to the implement our warehouse manager’s Grandma once used to lovingly paddle his a** when she caught him stealing sips of her beer. With more body than a traditional Belgian pils, Blue Paddle is reflective of Europe’s finest pilseners.
What our panel thought
Aroma: Light graininess with a touch of corn. Very light, sweet malt character with subtle hops in the nose. Light sulfur and soft minerals. Clean lager with no fruitiness.
Flavor: Light, clean malt. Noble hops provide slight floral and spice character. Mildly hopped but in style. Finishes crisp, clean, and dry with a touch of astringency in the aftertaste.
Overall: Refreshing. Nice balance of hops and malt. An excellent pilsner, perfect for a hot day. Hops are well-represented without being overwhelming. A tasty, easy-drinking beer. Clean and well made.
