Black Abbey/Hi-Wire "Smash Pils II" Pilsner

I'm pretty sure I already commented on the hypothesis that breweries tend to work together to divide the blame when a beer isn't particularly good. This is another one that comes from Hi-Wire, a brewery for which I have some esteem. Black Abbey has also graced these pages, and the results have typically been pretty good. So, it is an act of purist optimism to believe that these two breweries are going to come out with something really good.

The pale yellow beer is exactly what I would expect from a Pilsner, and the head is right in line with that. This doesn't get too frothy from the pour, and the head has no staying power at all. A light dusting of bubbles in the center of the beverage with a moderate circle clinging to the edges of the glass are all that you can hope for. The aroma is wheat and lemons and is not particularly overpowering.

First sip is very mild, a little dry, and very drinkable. Normally, a mild beer means that it doesn't have a whole lot of flavor, but this one does have its own take on what a Pilsner should be, and it's living it's best life in that. The grains and lemons are right up front, and that dryness adds a little mystique to the rear end.

Tip-in is very gentle carbonation caress with grains and lemon spritz asserting, but they aren't overwhelming anything. Really, the middle is just more of the tip-in, but everything is turned up in volume a little bit - especially the carbonation. The finish is a rapid cessation of carbonation followed by heavier grains and a dry trail off.

Bottom Line: Pilsners aren't my favorite, but this is particularly drinkable for this style.

3.5/5