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Look, at some point it's entirely on me that I keep drinking the derived versions of the beers before I actually try the beer that they are based on. Honestly, I don't even look after I buy them at the store, and then I just grab the most intriguing looking label. The fact that the original always tends to have a rather plain label whereas the derivations are more brightly colored or have some cool graphic on them might be the reason this always seems to happen. But, it shouldn't really matter. I just had the dry-hopped version of this beer, and I enjoyed it. Hopefully, that means I will enjoy the pilsner that it is based on.
Not shockingly, it looks very much like a pilsner. It looks exactly like one should, as this is completely clear and has patchy white bubbles. If anything, the head is a bit stickier than the version that had been dry-hopped. The aroma is suitably muted, but the sweet malt and light citrus are exactly the flavors that I was looking for. I'm looking forward to downing this beer, and maybe I will visit my refrigerator to grab the other three as the night progresses.
First sip has a hint of that skunk that the other beer had, so I don't think it's a fluke. Just like the other beer, however, it is just a whiff. The bright, crisp flavors are doing a very good job of keeping the flavor mild and easy to drink while not being exceptionally forgettable. This style isn't particularly given to something that stands out in the first place, and the most you can really hope for is one that fits the mold properly and doesn't try to do too much. This one is doing exactly what it should.
Tip-in is a crusty malt with a dazzle of carbonation and a spritz of citrus. The middle becomes almost nothing as the water surges from underneath, carbonation fizzles on top, and the malt and hops seem to get lost in the mix. The finish is a sharp turn as bitterness settles in from the citrus and possibly some light tropical fruits before the trail off becomes a bit musty.
Bottom Line: I think this could use some dry hopping.
2.75/5
