I had purchased this one a couple weeks ago at the local Schlafly tap house, and was saving it for a special occasion. Its their 20th anniversary Imperial Pilsner, brewed by their original brewmasters from when the brewery first opened. An Imperial Pilsner is not a type of beer you see every day; lately the word "imperial" has been used to denote a much stronger and heavier version of the standard style. This one certainly is!
It pours a deep clear gold color, with lots of carbonation, and the head sticks around a while. The aroma is sweet and citrusy, and rather strong for a pilsner, with some nice hop spice at the end. The first taste gives your tongue a smack.... this isnt your standard pilsner. The first word that comes to mind is creamy. It has a ton of body, so if you're thinking of a nice light refreshing lager, think again. The flavor is complex and layered. In front, you get a good dose of citrus, almost a tangerine flavor, with some light malty sweetness. Then the hops kick in, and you know its a pilsner. You get a spiceiness like sage or basil, plus the deep earthy bitterness in the aftertaste of a good pilsner.
The alcohol is up to 9%, very high for a pilsner, but the "imperial" should warn you. Its barely high enough to taste, and doesnt interfere with the flavors, but careful standing up after swilling a couple.
Scoring:
Look: 4 - deep clear gold
Aroma: 4 - sweet and spicy
Taste: 5 - Layers of citrus, spice, and hops
Feel: 5+ CREAMY!
Total: 4.5
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