August Schell Brewing Company Pilsner

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.”

**Aroma:** “Hops aroma is assertive for the style—earthy, woody and spicy. Big malt aroma is bready with crackers, some toast, and light caramel. Slight sulfur notes and a little ethanol keep it interesting.” **Flavor:** “Soft sweet malt is quickly lightened by a crisp, balanced hops bitterness. Aftertaste of malt and lingering hops. Crisp lager finish leaves just a touch of bitterness.” **Overall:** “Clean and refreshing without cloying malt sweetness. Hops in the middle of the palate are somewhat resinous, which should keep craft-beer drinkers happy. There’s a flash of excitement at the first swallow; then you’re left to figure out what happened. Clean and subtle. Flavors are spot on. I love this beer!”

**Aroma:** “Light grain sweetness, but slight hints of oxidation. Lemony and floral but subtle hop aroma. Some earthy notes. Clean, crisp nose.” **Flavor:** “Moderate malt sweetness with a sweeter corn character. Almost wheat-like. Clean lemony fruit and mild bitterness. Crisp finish with lingering bitterness softened by slight DMS.” **Overall:** “A very refreshing, enjoyable, clean lager, though a bit out of balance. Aggressive in the aroma and finish but a bit flat in the middle. Lacks some bitterness but overall good. A great beer to pair with rich foods.”