Trumer Pils

The relative young American offshoot of a centuries-old Austrian brewing powerhouse has produced the award-winning Trumer Pils since 2004. The aroma has a hop presence more subdued than expected of a Pils. Rick picked up a distinctly sulfury note he felt detracted from the otherwise satisfying “hints of unbaked cookie dough” and crackery malt. While he did pull some spicy hop notes, Rick found the hops were too restrained, leaving the nose rather muddled. Likewise, Mike noted the “lack of spicy, floral hop” character, but he enjoyed the “warm, lightly toasted bread” malt aromas. Pallid yellow, shimmering and crystal clear, this beer is capped by a low, yet creamy white head that leaves just a hint of lacing on the glass. Sweet malt and floral hop notes dominate the flavor, yet an underpinning of firm hop bitterness keeps the sweetness in check. Pete appreciated the “smooth interplay of sweet, honeyed malt and bright, floral hops,” as well as the firm hop bitterness. He did, however, find a slightly harsh, almost chalky edge in the aftertaste. The biscuity malt and clean flavor profile appealed to Lee, but he felt the low bitterness “lacked the zip expected of such a revered style.” Overall, he thought the beer fell more in the Golden Ale style, based on lingering sweetness and subdued bitterness. Effervescent and quenching, Trumer Pils can ease the suffering during sweltering summer doldrums.