Widmer Brothers PDX Pils

“On the surface, this is a standard hefeweizen, with all the standard elements: phenol, ester, and wheat malt. But the ester profile slips sideways, with more cherry and citrus than banana. A moderate tartness blends with a higher-than-average hopping level, suggesting American pale ale.”

__Aroma:__ “A whole fruit salad of aromas: big orange and pine up front with some pineapple and apricot/peach beneath. Some grapefruit and lemon, and strawberry with a bit of blueberry. Very subtle bready malt.” __Flavor:__ “Clean, hoppy, fairly bitter. Fruity notes of lemon and grapefruit, strawberry, and tropical fruit dominate the palate with some nice piney complexity in the background. Malt bready sweetness, like Belgian waffles. Some grassy earthiness adds complexity. The hops are showcased and are carried with some assertive bitterness that hits, carries through the finished taste, and lingers.” __Overall:__ “Love the tropical fruit notes, and the complexity of the hops profile and flavors is enjoyable. The bitterness was present and carried through but was refreshing. Very drinkable. The aroma on this beer is very cool. The strawberry character is novel.”

Aroma: “Moderate Pils malt sweetness with a touch of sulfur. Very subtle floral and herbal hops with a touch of noble spice, a touch of malt breadiness. More Pils malt on retronasal. Light sulfur as it warms. Overall, somewhat muted.” Flavor: “Clean Pils malt throughout. Falls slightly sweet on the palate, but the finish is crisp and carries enough bitterness to cut through. Floral and spicy hops notes play well with the malt and bring a nice complexity. Finishes fairly dry with a slight grain-husk tannic bitterness.” Overall: “Nice beer, although a touch sweet for some. Easy drinking. A more aggressively hopped Pilsner that isn’t shy about what it’s trying to do with highlighting the spicy and floral hops.”