Champion Shower Beer

A bit of toasted marshmallow from afar accented by a tangy hop note and a hint of freshly tanned leather. Just a whisper of overcooked green beans. Clear herbal character: more marjoram than mint. Herbal hop notes continue through the palate. Overall, the beer is thinner and less malty than most Czech-style pilsners, with a pronounced bitterness that gives a slightly metallic note. Lingering bitterness with a tannic (leather) tone. I think this would pair well with traditional red-sauce pizza.

Ray Daniels is the founder and director of the Cicerone Certification Program and the author, editor or publisher of more than two dozen books on beer and brewing. Follow him on Twitter @Cicerone_org.

---

There are generic words, quick hits that can be used to describe a beer. Crisp, clear, bright. They give us a strong base to dive in deeper. In the case of this pilsner, those three are apt, but well-executed Saaz hop additions bring on a black pepper spiciness, a hint of wild flowers and a pleasant grassy herbalness. It’s refreshing and reliable. The kind of beer that’s best paired with more of the same. Drink. Rinse your glass. Repeat.

John Holl is the editor of All About Beer Magazine. 

---