Name: Hoppy Pilsner
Brewer: HideOut Craft Brewery (Philippines)
Style: International Pale Lager
ABV: 5.3%
Review Year: 2020
Hoppy Pilsner is the first “lager” from the Cubao-based craft brewery, HideOut Craft Brewery. A limited batch of these beers was released in clear 500ml canisters. Hoppy Pilsner will officially make its debut in 330ml very soon.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as an International Pale Lager (2A) in the context of the 2015 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version of the guidelines can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Note that the packaging of this beer is not the usual aluminum can. Therefore, there might be minor differences between this batch and the official one that will be released in the aluminum cans soon. To those who have this version, we suggest storing them cold, keeping them away from direct sunlight, and consuming them immediately.
Hoppy Pilsner pours a clear pale gold beer with a foamy white head. The aroma profile is primarily floral reminiscent of sampaguita, with hints of citrus akin to chewable Vitamin C tablets. The palate suggests a light-bodied beer with a moderately-high level of carbonation. These attributes give this beer that crispness known in lagers. A light fruity-floral flavor (think of flowers and a freshly sliced cantaloupe) and a moderately-low level of hop bitterness remind its drinkers this is not one of those bland beers from grocery stores. A light malty character holds everything together, while the aftertaste is dry with the mentioned malt presence leaving an impression.
THE VERDICT
As the first lager from HideOut, Hoppy Pilsner is broadly a successful one in our opinion. Hoppy Pilsner is also fundamentally well-brewed given the absence of any of the strong flavors and skunky character. The future iterations could explore other similarly delicate hop combinations, and, if possible, have a very clear aesthetic.
