Santa Fe Brewing Company Freestyle Pilsner
What the brewers say
“The assertively hopped Freestyle Pilsner exudes the flavor and the aroma of the classic Saaz hops (a tribute to “the original” Pilsner), while maintaining enough body to balance but not overpower this hops’ pleasant, spicy tone. An unhurried lagering process makes this beer a light, clean, and quenching beer.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Floral and citrus hops characters up front, nice and fresh. Gives way to some biscuit malt sweetness and clean, sulfur Pilsner malt, with some dominant pepper character.”
Flavor: “The malt hits up front, with some pear-like juiciness. The citrus flavor has a bit of delicate lemon. Noble hops character is there to balance and has a touch of floral and apple—would’ve been nice to have a touch more bitterness to reign in the sweetness. A touch of diacetyl and a light lingering astringency in the aftertaste.”
Overall: “A classic European take on a Pilsner, though on the sweet side. Light, clean, and refreshing. It doesn’t take too many risks, but is still very enjoyable. One could drink a lot of this beer.”
