Having been given the go-ahead from a fellow PHM I’m going to…wait for it…hop right into this review. Today’s selection is the new Spring seasonal by Sam Adams. Winning the Beer Lover’s Choice Award, Noble Pils was recently rolled out in place of their White Ale. I personally think this could be a Summer options, but on the whole it fits the slot perfectly. Side note: I love Sam Adam’s packaging and this beer is no exception. From the decorative hop cones, to the Brewer Patriot, to the light green color the bottle is quite appealing.
Taking their inspiration from the Czech Pilsner, Jim Koch and gang took in one step further. Normally, Pilners are brewed with one hop variety known as Saaz. This brew utilizes all five noble hops…hence the name. These hops are valued for there aromatic qualities. Most of them are grown in Germany with the exception of Saaz which is grown in the Czech Republic. The five are: Saaz, Hallertau, Hersbrucker, Spalt, and Tettnang. Their flavoring characteristics are different from US and have a lower alpha percentage (the higher the % the more bitter the hop). These hops impart a wide range of aromas and flavors, but I would say that the all have a common denominator of being earthy, subtle, and smooth.
Nobs (as I call it) has all the makings of a perfect Pils. It has a light gold color, consistent carbonation, an eggshell white head that is replenished, a sweet malt aroma, and a pronounced, crisp hop aroma. The hops provided a great opportunity for beer drinkers to learn and explore the noble varieties. With its complex nose I received hints of pine, citrus, honey, herbal spiciness, and it was a slight earthy pungency. The hops were both floral and fruity.
The taste was similar to Pilsner Urquell, but had more depth in the hop category. With a classic Sam Adams smooth finish I was left with a wonderful blend of earthy bitterness from the hops and a honey-like sweet malt aftertaste. At 5.2% ABV you could drink this all night. It does a great job of lifting away greasier foods and providing a crisp, refreshed palate.
ABV: 5.2%
Grade: A
Well done Tom. My goal was to bring a 12 of this to the super bowl party but the store I went to didn’t have it. I really like this beer, for all the same reasons as you.
can’t wait to try this one. i’ve been itching for a good pilsner all winter.
I realized the other day that I didn’t have a single beer I could offer to a guest, all of them were singles and ones that I desperately (and selfishly) wanted to try. So as a crowd pleaser, but still craft, I picked up a twelve. Needless to say, there are six left and I haven’t had anyone over yet…