Sierra Nevada - Summerfest Lager
Purchased From: Plumsted Buy Rite Liquors
Serving Type: 12 oz. bottle, poured into a Pilsner glass
Talk about out of season. It’s December and I’m reviewing a Summer seasonal. Well, I found one of these hiding out in the back of the refrigerator at my parent’s house and couldn’t let it go bad. Summerfest is a Czech-style Pilsner, which promises crisp and refreshing drinking for those warm summer days. I had to imagine the weather, but the beer held up regardless.
It pours a mostly-clear golden hue with a very fine suspension. The creamy yellowed-foam head is impressive and boasts excellent retention. On the way down the foam produces delicate lacing around the walls of the glass. Citrusy hops are clear up front on the nose. There’s a lager-like sweet malty must, but the style-signature Noble hops are more subdued.
This is a very interesting take on a Pilsner. Sierra Nevada clearly added some well-placed American influence. Citrusy and fruity Perle hops are up front, but meld nicely into the more traditional Saaz Noble hops renowned for Pilsner flavor. The Saaz hops provide an excellent bitter profile to match the distinct mid-palate malts.
Just near the end the hops seem to go a bit piney. Its very interesting the range of flavors that are present in the beer from only two hop varietals. They’re bold, but not overpowering, striking an excellent balance. The finish is clean and very refreshing. This is an excellent Summer drinking beer.
Final Verdict: B+
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