Bottle from Engelsmann, best before Aug 19, 2006. Consumed on 5/31/06.
Unfiltered, very much so, with a deep, deep, rich honey-gold with strong copper tints. Head white, fairly dense and lasting, with a fair amount of lacing.
Nose is full of nutty yeast, which, though I have tried to leave as much behind as possible, still adds a light blanding note to the aroma. The saaz hops are still unmistakeable, however, and though without the strength of styrian goldings, they provide a very dainty, delicate, fresh floral note, with light lavendar and rose petal. Some very delicate leafiness keeps things dry, as bits of honey land softly on the back of the nose. Fluffy, aerated angel food cake gives light substance. Certainly no alcohol or brewing flaws detected.
The flavor is considerably stronger than the nose. The hops are still very delicate, with lavendar, vanilla blossoms, rose petals and very light leafiness. Bitterness sits on the tongue and slowly surges up, tickling the tongue and balancing the dry, highly attenuated pils malts. Though the attenuation is high, as the style dictates, the unfiltered nature provides a sumptuous mouthfeel, lightly doughy and providing depth for the hop bitterness. Light lemon notes emerge on the finish, with definite hop oil-like notes that stick to the sides of the mouth as the bitterness pleasantly recedes, like capsaicin oils receding and creating that hot sauce "glow". Just flawlessly done, with not a touch of apple, vanillin, corn, etc... and for that I’m truly impressed. There are very few bottled pilsners of this light strength that can boast that. Carbonation is tight, engaging, but still not too heavy. Alcohol is not apparent. Wow, how is this rated so low? Everyone needs to retry this, as it is certainly not filtered any longer. Thank you so much Martin!