May 15, 2017

Founders PC Pils

Founders PC Pils made its first appearance last year in limited production. The 5.5% ABV (45 IBU) pilsner is back for 2017 by popular demand and will see an extended release spanning April to August. For those that have not encountered the beer previously, this is not your typical pilsner. The brewery uses a blend of Chinook, Cascade and Centennial hop varieties to deliver their own take on the style that carries, as expected, a stronger hop punch.

The prototypical traits of cereal, grain and crackers are present within the pale straw colored PC Pils, but so is a much more pronounced hop character. Lemony citrus notes, grass and a hint of pine ride the crisp mouthfeel while a touch of honey hangs out in the background. The level of hop bitterness is pretty tame, providing a low level of hop bite with each sip. PC Pils carries a refreshing flavor profile and lively carbonation in a package that goes down deceptively easily.

PC Pils isn’t your traditional take on the style. It’s got a more pronounced hop presence, but certainly isn’t in the IPA realm of “hoppiness.” The crisp beer still has a the standard flavors found in your every day pilsner — just with a little something extra. I particularly enjoyed the lemongrass trait the hop blend added to this refreshing little brew. I can foresee a couple of 15-packs making an appearance at Barley Blog HQ as the days grow longer and warmer.

This is a review of a promotional sample.