“Pioneered by Richard Emerson in 1995, New Zealand Pilsners are a Kiwi twist on a traditional Pilsner – herbal, spicy hops are replaced with Tropical, fruity NZ hops! Bouncing with citrus, passionfruit, hints of gooseberry, a touch of bready malt sweetness, this NZ Pilsner has a refreshing bitterness and a dry crisp finish!”

Glassware: Stemmed tulip.

Appearance: Pale light golden pour with a two finger crown. Good retention but only patchy lace work clinging to the glass as it ebbs.

Aroma: Kiwi hops are such a great option for this style. The delicate crusty malt profile practically sits back and lets the hops do all the talking. Intense “greenery” is the best way to summarize it. Packed to the brim with lime juice/zest/candy, gooseberry, green grapes, pine resin, tomato vine, white wine and unripe passion fruit. Diggin’ it!

Flavour: Pretty much a mirror image of the aroma – awash with piney, resinous and evergreen notes. The light malt body providing the platform for the hops to work off. A gentle bitterness pushes its way in around the mid palate, leading into a slightly dry, grassy and medium length finish.

Mouthfeel: Crisp and clean with mild-medium body. Vibrant Co2 and a well placed 5% ABV.

Overall: In our last review of Stoic we touched on how the new brewers have vastly improved the quality of their beers. This NZ Pilsner only reinforces that belief. Onwards and upwards.