With the super bowl, a near religious experience for many Americans, in mind, this weeks Sip With Us Saturday beer is an easy to find, low alcohol, session beer: Samuel Adams Noble Pils. This beer is only 5.2% ABV, and is new to the market, the result of the public’s voting it in during Sam Adams’ 2009 Beer Lover’s Choice election. It is intended to replace the White Ale as the seasonal Spring beer.
Sam Adams describes Noble Pils as:
Samuel Adams® Noble Pils is brewed with all 5 Noble hops for a distinct hop character and fresh taste. Deep golden in color with a citrusy hop aroma, Samuel Adams Noble Pils is a traditional Bohemian Pilsner. The honeyed malt character from traditional Bohemian malt is balanced by delicate yet pronounced citrus, floral, and piney notes from the Noble hops.
What struck my attention in reading the description is that Sam Adams nonchalantly proclaims that there are a definitive five noble hops. In reality, only two hop varieties are nobly agreed upon as “noble,” those two hops being Czech Saaz and Tettnanger. Some also are gracious to include Spalt and Hallertau. I do not know what fifth variety Sam Adams includes, but I guess it would be Styrian.
Regardless, bedazzle your macro drinker guests with your knowledge of Noble hops and introduce them to a familiar flavor from a familiar brand. Who knows, it could end up leading them down the road to better beer conversion.
Nice pic. I think that’s Hallertau, but not sure. Found a large hi-res version some time ago, and saved it as my desktop background. Cheers!
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Sweet! Yours is much better quality. I downloaded it for my desktop.
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That’s so funny! I’ll be drinking that out of a barrel on Sunday! Only because my original choice, Victory Lager, couldn’t be had on short notice at my store. I’ll be honest, it’s one of the tastier treats I’ve had from Sammy lately.
Prost! I mean, Na Zdravi! (Czech)
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Cool Kevin! I’ll write a review on Monday…You’ll have to stop back on that post and comment with your opinion. I haven’t had Noble Pils yet, but I’ve heard that it is decent beer.
Na Zdravi!
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Nate, if you like Czech pils, like Zatec or Urquell, you’ll probably like this one. I feel it tastes a little “fresher” than the ones from Czech Rep, only because it doesn’t go very far from the brewery to my mouth!
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[...] just so happens that this past Saturday, right as I was opening up a bottle of Sam Adams’ Noble Pils for Sip With Us Saturday, my wife Sandra called from the living room, “Do you want to watch the movie Beer [...]
Hersbrucker is possibly the 5th hop.
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Thanks! Let us know if you find out more about it.
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Many restaurants in No. VA have Noble Pils on tap. It is truly amazing and even better in draft. I picked up a 12 to share with friends and am half way through without sharing a drop. I will tell you, I love IPAs and the hoppiest of micros, so this Sammy tickled me good. You can drink a few without the IPA dreadful next day. Excellent beer, just not sure why it’s a winter ale.
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I’m not sure why it’s a winter beer. I also do the intentional sharing pick up and end up drinking it. Thanks for stopping by, please visit again.
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Until this, I was unaware that America could make a good pilsner, I was in Europe for 6 months, and I found I loved pilsners, especially from Germany. After waiting a couple years (to turn 21), I bought a brewmasters variety, and I am really impressed with Nobles Pils. Are there any other good American pilsners I should try?
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Trumer is a pretty good version, if you are in Cali. Nate reviewed Boulevard’s Imperial Version, which he loved. Also, Sam Adams makes an Imperial Pilsner…very good. The unfortunate thing is that many craft brewers have steered away from a good pilsner. However, more on getting on the market but this ought to be a decent start. Also, some brewers do make decent pilsners, although you will often see them called Pils or something like that. If I were you, I’d just try them and see what you think…craft brewers are a creative lot.
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By the way, thanks for coming back. We love to see new people on the site.
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