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I remembered the name Hopewell, but I couldn't remember the brand. I then remembered something going by just "Pils," and I thought there was a chance I'd already had this beer. Well, I only ever had the one beer from Hopewell, and it should really have been unique enough to stick in my brain. Also, it turns out that a lot of breweries decided to name their pilsner "Pils" along the way, so I think I can be forgiven for that misstep.
The very clear yellow beverage with a white head that is kind of sticky and will leave lacing has so many points of nucleation at the bottom that I was afraid the head would take off even after it settled. The aroma is light lemons and grains with a palpable tartness from the yeast just peeking out under it all. So, this is pretty much the perfect presentation for a pilsner.
First sip is different. I expected lemons over grains, but there are herbs and flowers where my fruit would have gone. This is probably one of those things where I get geared up for a particular taste profile and then I get hit with another. It's like being told you're having a Guinness and then sipping and finding a T.O.R.I.S. instead. It's not that the beer is bad, but it's not what I was expected.
Tip-in is very strong flowers over a surprising amount of carbonation and bread malt. The middle doubles down on the flowers as the bread turns a bit doughy, but the flavor doesn't let up as a tang from the yeast makes the bread more... bready? The finish is more flowers, but they are a lot more gentle as they and herbs float into the trail off.
Bottom Line: Pretty good.
2.75/5
