Oh, Canada

I had some chores to do today so I went to the beer store instead. I was doing the initial shelf scan to pick out any obviously new beers and remind myself of those on my wishlist. After selecting a few nice offerings, I came across an 8 pack of pilsner I had not seen before and I am a big fan of a well done pilsner. It definitely was enthusiastic. Every can I opened tossed a blob of foam out. It didn't run over, just the initial spray and foam. Lots of quick carbonation and surprisingly little head that faded almost instantly. It's a beautiful gold colour. The aroma reminded me of fresh bread. There was a definite spicy (saaz) hops, but under that was cracker, bread and mild malt. It would have been smooth except for all the carbonation and the body lay on the heavy end of the spectrum for pilsners. The hops take point with a good spicy bitter. They were a little floral and more resinous than dry. Behind that, the malt flavours bring bread, sourdough, cracker, a pale caramel or possibly honey. It is a bit sweet but the hops really cut that. It was good but didn't make my short list. Too bitter in the hops, and too sweet in the malt. But really close though. Bonus points for that.