Southern Grist "Company Pils" Beverage

I didn't know how to write this title. I thought this was a pilsner going in, so I was planning on just labelling this as such and moving on. I mean, who wants to add the word "beverage" at the end of a title when you can just call it a pilsner? Well, you can't call it one if it isn't - technically - a beer at all. I chose this just because I want to see if someone - anyone - can produce a beer-like beverage that isn't actually beer so that a designated driver doesn't have to drink Coke all night.

The pour is pretty convincing that this is a pilsner. The head is exaggerated by the glass, but it's pretty fluffy, and it leaves lacing in its wake. The beverage is clear and gold to the point that I might even say it is a more convincing pilsner than the one that actually set the standard for the style. The aroma is the first real let down, as the bread that should be there is not very strong, and spices seem to have taken its place.

First sip is pretty amazingly bad. It manages to be overly watery and excessively spice-filled at the same time. It somehow is both too carbonated and not carbonated enough to cover for the lack of actual flavor in there. At least it has a little lemon before the unnecessary bitterness hits at the back end. 

Tip-in is moderate carbonation burn with spices and lemons. The middle moves to stinging spices that are augmented by the carbonation. The finish is bitterness with a hint of lemon.

Bottom Line: Nope. They didn't crack it.

0.5/5