Sam Adams Noble Pils

It has been awhile since I have had a beer from my list. In fact the last one was Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA back in March. Recently, though, I grabbed Sam Adams Noble Pils in the liquor store. I had one a couple weeks ago.

Noble Pils is tied for #20 on my Zymury's 2011 list of the best beers in America. I have to say I like it much better than many of the beers ranked higher on the list.

The Sam Adams website says Noble Pils is a traditional Bohemian Pilsner brewed with 5 Noble hops. When I first targeted this beer on my list, it was a spring seasonal, but I believe it is now a year-round beer.

It is very good with a distinct, unique (or at least I think it is unique) hop character in both the flavor and aroma.

Nobel Pils is very light pale gold in color. It is exceptionally clear and very bubbly. The mouthfeel is crisp and light bodied. It is well carbonated.

It has a rich Pilsner malt backbone with just a bit of sweet honey-malt flavor. The malt bill doesn't have a bunch of complexity. It is just very well done and pleasant.

I found the hop character very distinct. There is a little resiny pine and a bit of citrusy lime. I also get a little spiciness, but the hops are dominated by the traditional flowery noble hop character. It is certainly a change from the American hop character that I am much more familiar with.

I really like this beer.

Interestingly enough, as hoppy as it is, the Beer Model told me that she also liked the beer. As I mentioned before, she doesn't really have an issue with hoppy, she just doesn't like hop bitterness.

So, now that I have tried this beer, I have (still) tried all 15 of the top 15 on the Zymurgy list. I've tried 42 of the 52.

I am pretty sure that the 2012 list should be coming out in the next Zymurgy issue, so I assume this will be the last of the beers I check off the 2011 list. I am very happy with the high percentage of beers I am able to say that I have tried.

Here are the ones still left on my "not tried list":

T16. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA ... year round beer. Should be able to find in CO.

19. Bell’s Expedition Stout ... doesn't distribute to CO. Should have had my sister look for this.

T20. Troegs Nugget Nectar ... PA brewery. Can't get in CO.

T29. Three Floyds Alpha King ... A Chicago-land beer. Can't get in CO

T29. Three Floyds Dark Lord ... available one day a year in April at the brewery

T34. Dogfish Head Indian Brown ... year round. Might be able to find in CO.

T34. Three Floyds Gumballhead ... don't even see this beer on their website.

T43. Russian River Blind Pig ... not sure if I will be able to get this in CO.

T48. Dark Horse Crooked Tree ... Midwest distribution only.

T48. Summit EPA ... Another MN beer I should have had my sister look for.

You can look at the entire list here: http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/community/news/show?title=2011-best-beers

I will be sure to let you know when I see the 2012 list. I bet you cannot wait.