Beer pick of the week: Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning Uber Pils
June 24th, 2008 by Jeff Holland in Drink
Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning Uber Pils
Clipper City Brewing Company
Baltimore, MD
7.0% ABV
Imperial or strong pilsners are arguably a dubious style, more often than not failing to exhibit the dry, crisp character that defines a pilsner. Clipper City’s Small Craft Warning, part of its Heavy Seas series of high-gravity offerings, hedges its bets a bit by calling itself a pilsner-style bock, which as it turns out is a fairly apt description. Maltier than a traditional pilsner, but with the unmistakable aroma of Saaz hops and a satisfyingly dry finish, this is a very refreshing beer for strong lager. A pleasant spicy, citrus hop aroma greets the nose, but the pilsner and caramel malts assert themselves at the first sip. Hop bitterness is low, but there is a spiciness and a bit of alcohol drying in the finish that keep it balanced. Medium bodied and smooth, the mouthfeel is more akin to a bock than a pilsner, and it could benefit from a bit more carbonation to lighten the body, but overall an interesting addition to a style that is still being refined.
(Photo by Jeff Holland)
Leave a Reply