Jul 14, 2010

Karl Strauss Whistler Imperial Pils

Note: this is a review of a promotional sample I received from the brewery.

The latest in Karl Strauss’ Coastal Reserve Series is this imperial pilsner. Whistler Imperial Pils is a 7.5% ABV pilsner is brewed with imported Moravian malts and Bohemian Saaz hops — keeping an authentic flavor that’s been amped up a bit with more of everything.

My only other experience with an imperial pilsner is the Sam Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner. While Karl Strauss’ version of the brew isn’t quite as hoppy as the one from Boston Beer, it’s probably a little more balanced and traditional.

Appearance

Whistler pours a clear golden amber in color with a decent sized, off-white head that stuck around for a good while.

Aroma

This one has a pretty well balanced nose on it. Starting with sweet, biscuity malt then fading to a light, peppery hop character the beer smells just like a pilsner with a little more oomph. I didn’t pick up any of the higher alcohol content in the nose.

Taste

Toasted, biscuity malts greet you first then is quickly followed by fairly upfront spicy hop presence. The malt sweetness and moderate hop bitterness give the beer a nice balanced feel and fuller mouthfeel than most pilsners. The semi-dry finish has more of a biting hop presence, but even then it’s not too bitter or astringent.

Overall

I enjoyed this beer a good deal. As far as what little experience I’ve had with imperial pilsners, this one is quite balanced and full flavored. I think, however, if given the choice from the Coastal Reserve series, I would choose the Big Barrel Double IPA over this one. Whistler is a tasty brew, but not my favorite among the limited release run of products.

Rating: 3.5/5

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