Crooked Stave Brewing (Denver, Colorado) is known for its innovative approach to brewing and expertise in mixed culture and wild fermentation. In this case, they take a refreshing detour with their NZ Pils, a clean and crisp lager that showcases their versatility. This beer is a nod to the New Zealand-style Pilsner, a sub-genre that emphasizes bright, hop-forward flavors while maintaining the easy drinking nature of a classic pilsner.
Appearance
The NZ Pils pours a pale, golden straw color with a slight haze, hinting at its unfiltered nature. A fluffy, white head crowns the beer, leaving behind delicate lacing as it recedes. It’s an inviting and visually appealing beer.
Aroma
The nose is vibrant and aromatic, dominated by tropical and citrusy hop notes, such as ripe passion fruit, zesty lime, and a touch of pineapple, all underpinned by a subtle grainy sweetness from the malt. There’s a faint floral undertone that adds complexity without overwhelming the senses.
Taste
On the palate, the NZ Pils delivers a harmonious balance of hop-driven fruitiness and a clean, bready malt backbone. The tropical and citrus flavors from the aroma carry through, with a pronounced passion fruit character leading the charge. The finish is crisp and slightly dry, with a moderate bitterness that lingers just long enough to remind you this is a hop-forward beer. At 5.5% ABV, it’s light enough to session but flavorful enough to keep you coming back for more.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is light and effervescent, with a lively carbonation that enhances the beer’s refreshing qualities. It’s smooth and easy-drinking, making it an excellent choice for warm weather or as a palate cleanser between heavier beers.
Overall Impression
Crooked Stave’s NZ Pils is a standout in the world of modern Pilsners. While the brewery is best known for its wild and sour ales, this beer proves they can excel in the lager realm as well. The use of New Zealand hops gives it a unique twist, setting it apart from traditional European Pilsners. It’s a well-crafted beer that balances innovation with drinkability, making it accessible to both craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Ratings
- Appearance – 4/5
- Aroma – 4.5/5
- Taste – 4.3/5
- Mouthfeel – 4/5
- Overall – 4.2/5
Unique to this brew is the use of Motueka hops from New Zealand, which impart the characteristic lemon lime profile, setting it apart from more traditional Pilsners. This choice reflects Crooked Stave’s commitment to innovation and quality in their brewing practices.
In summary, the New Zealand Pilsner by Crooked Stave is a delightful interpretation of the style, offering both familiarity and a touch of the exotic. It’s a balanced and enjoyable beer that showcases the brewery’s expertise and creativity.
Leave a Reply