Smuttynose Vunderbar!
I’m not what you would call a picky drinker. I can appreciate and fully enjoy just about any style available. Of course, I have my favorite types, but as an overall fan of beer in general, I’m as thrilled by a massive imperial stout as I am by a pilsner in the June heat — which is exactly when I enjoyed Vunderbar! from Smuttynose Brewing.
This 5.1% ABV pilsner is new to the company’s year-round rotation as of this Summer. It’s a pretty decent little representation of the style the leads in with a touch more hops than traditionally found, but not so much that it’s annoying. The grassy hop character gives Vunderbar! a refreshing nature that’s ideal for just about any time of year.
Appearance
Vunderbar! pours golden in color with a large stack of frothy white foam.
Aroma
Grain, grassy hops and softly toasted bread combine for a smooth aroma. There’s a hint of something akin to ginger in the mix, but not sure if that’s my nose playing tricks on me.
Taste
This is a solid little brew. It’s got a nice combination of grain, toasted bread, light caramel and gentle, lightly spicy hops. I still get a bit of a slightly flat ginger ale aspect to it — not sure why that is. Regardless, Vunderbar! is an incredibly drinkable beer.
Overall
I’m not sure where that ginger character is coming from or if I’m misinterpretting the spicy Nobel hops in the mix. Either way, Vunderbar! is a tasty pilsner with good flavor and easy drinking nature. I may have enjoyed it on a warm June day, but I can also see it disappearing from the glass quickly in the Autmun, as well.
Rating: 3.5/5
