My Hoppy Place

I have waited a while to try this beer. I saw it on the menu at RFD at Gallery Place this summer and got all excited (I’m always excited to see a beer I haven’t tried yet). Our harried server lamented that it was out and the next keg in line was already in place. Insert sad emoticon (oh, here: ).

So when I saw the lovely yellow cans at Schneiders on Capitol Hill, I grabbed them up. Ok. My mom grabbed them. I had already snagged a six of Bell’s Octoberfest (review to come).

Now mom is preparing a classic fall, end-of-first-week-of-school* dinner of fish sticks and mac and cheese. We’re both thoroughly enjoying the OB Pils. On to the review:

Color: Straw deepening to gold.
Aroma: Apple and lemon with an herbal note.
Flavor: Tons of upfront malt which fades into a pleasant bitter note at the back of the tongue.

A really nicely brewed pilsner. It has plenty of sweet malt, perfect for high acid or sweet foods. The bitter kicks in just when you’re ready to take another sip.

Suggested pairings (besides fish sticks and mac and cheese which will, of course, rock): pulled chicken or pork, other BBQ, thai food, lobster or clams.

*For the record: I’m well out of school (though pondering a return). But this time of year always makes me think about traipsing to Woolworth’s to pick out my notebook and pens, get a new backpack, and wonder about my classmates. I dare you to walk into an elementary school and not experience a flashback the moment the scent of apple juice, paste, and cleanser hits your nose!

Filed under: Beer, Tasting notes on September 4th, 2009