If you’re into craft beers, when someone says ‘lager’, the first thing that comes to mind might be the stereotypically bland pale lager, or even worse, the mass-produced American adjunct lager. But there are other, more interesting styles of lager beers, and many of the lighter-bodied ones make great beverages for spring and summer. An example of this would be the Pilsner: pairing the distinctive Pils malt character with generous amounts of aromatic noble hops, it is light-bodied and dry, yet has a depth of flavor and a potent bitterness that would make any hop-head happy.

– – –

‘THE CRISP’ – SIXPOINT – German Pilsner – 5.40% ABV (Eye Choir’s Choice)

Appearance: Poured a crystal-clear pale gold with a two finger, off-white head. Moderate carbonation is easily visible. 4/5

Smell: Primary aroma is a sharp, bright candied lemon which is supported by floral, even slightly grassy hop character. The malt, though more subdued, is reminiscent of freshly baked croissants, which meshes well with the hops and a slight, hay-like yeast character. Powerful but light and pleasant. 4.5/5

Taste: Moderate to light tartness further amplifies the citrus components, as well as the milder earthy and wooden notes of the hops. There is very little sweetness, and the dry finish climbs to a moderate bitterness, bringing out a very pithy character to the fruit, as well some honey and grain flavors to the malt. Surprisingly complex, yet with a very unified aesthetic. 5/5

Mouthfeel: Very light, with a slightly loose mouthfeel that makes this a very refreshing drink, though the vaguely astringent bitterness and ample carbonation provide some filling to body. Keeps up the spacious yet intense character of the flavors. 4/5

Overall: Unexpectedly complex, with lots of interesting plant-oriented flavors that mesh with the austerity of the style. Extremely drinkable as well, with a finish that leaves you wanting more. 4.5/5

– – –

‘PRIMA PILS’ – VICTORY – Classic American Pilsner – 5.30% ABV

Appearance: Poured a light orange color with a one finger, white head. Neither carbonation nor sediment is visible. 3.5/5

Smell: Hops are surprisingly dominant for the pilsner style, with strong floral and spicy notes with a touch of herbal or leafy quality. Malt has hay notes, over a clean whole-grain bread background. Simple, but complex enough to still remain compelling. 4/5

Taste: As with the aroma, the hops are very strong, imparting a pretty biting bitterness alongside a touch of acidity that brings in strains of citrus fruits. Earthy, spicy, and herbal notes abound, smothering any malty sweetness. Unfortunately, the bone-dry finish lacks some balance, though the hop character is still interesting. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Light bodied with a kick from the medium to high carbonation which makes the drink quite refreshing. Still, very smooth, and not at all sharp, in contrast to some of the powerful flavors. 4/5

Overall: Quite a fresh mouthfeel and aroma with some impressively strong hops, but the balance leans a bit too far towards bitterness. 3.5/5

– – –

PILSNER – BROOKLYN – German Pilsner – 5.10% ABV

Appearance: Poured a pale, slightly orange-hay color with a two inch light beige head. There is no sedimentation and only light carbonation is visible. 3.5/5

Smell: There is a good balance between whole-grain cracker malts and moderate floral, and spicy hops that have notes of lemongrass and vanilla. There are undertones of musty white grape from the yeast. Delicate but interesting and well-crafted. 4.5/5

Taste: Has a fairly mild flavor, with a mild sweetness which brings out cornbread from the malt and a mild tartness that helps display a touch of citrus and grape skins that blends with the slight sulfuric funk of the yeast. Bitterness is merely mild to moderate, but shows reasonably good balance nonetheless. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Crisp and clean mouthfeel with moderate carbonation and no alcoholic heat. Very smooth and refreshing, in parallel with the beer’s overall aesthetic. 4/5

Overall: Balanced and interesting, though maybe a tad mild, especially in the hop department. Very good though, and certainly very easy to drink. 4/5

– – –

‘NOBLE PILS’ – SAM ADAMS – Bohemian Pilsner – 4.90% ABV

Appearance: Poured a very slightly hazy straw-gold with a one finger, off-white head. There is a small amount of carbonation that is easily visible. 4/5

Smell: Moderately strong hop aroma with a grassy aroma that also touches on citric and tarragon-like herbs. Malt notes have a strong honey character, in harmony with a layer of grainy crackers, a light touch of butter and a slight grape-like yeast aroma. Complex and surprisingly unique. 4.5/5

Taste: Moderate clean bitterness hits first, with notes of lemon pith and earth, though this is supported by a mild tartness which highlights lime and even a touch of sauvignon blanc grapes. There is also a surprising mild to moderate finish, which extends the mead-like malt character into the finish. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Light bodied, with a seltzery carbonation which amplifies aspects of the tartness, though the overall mouthfeel is quite smooth, with no alcoholic heat to speak of. Refreshing sour bite also dampens the unexpectedly powerful honey-sweet notes. 4/5

Overall: Shows of a fair amount of complexity with a well-crafted balance of hops that also manages to be somewhat original within an already well-established style. 4/5