Introduction

Long days in the oil patch will give someone time to think. Three such thinkers decided that winters in the ‘patch wasn’t the best way to spend their time, especially when it meant going without tasty brew. So they cashed in their chips and took themselves to Sylvan Lake, Alberta, and began Snake Lake Brewing. A quick change to an old auto parts store and the craft beer brewery was off and running. Nearly five years later and with a dozen beers on the slate, Snake Lake Brewing may not be cashing in on the black gold from the ground, but they’ve discovered a community that’s happy for golden ale from the taps. The Kinabik Pilsner is a German-style beer and takes its name for the Cree word that was originally used to describe the area itself - Snake Lake. A snappy hop ale with a crisp finish. Serves well at 8°C and should be sipped on pronto.

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How it looks

Pours a pale golden colour with a clear body and light carbonation. A bubbly pillow of foam from the can quickly recedes to a thin ring around the glass.

How it smells

Smells of sweet white bread, soda crackers, a vinous petrol quality, and a punch of citrus zest and flesh. The hop profile comes through as bright, fresh leafy green vegetation.

How it tastes

Taste follows the nose - you’ll get a sweet malty flavour of white bread and crackers, a big punch of the citrus zest that cuts through the sweetness. As the flavour gets comfortable the grain makes a stronger case and the sweetness fades off. The hop sticks to one tone through the whole taste, delivering a strong leafy quality. It all finishes up fairly quickly with a dry and chalky finish. Overall a solid taste profile that you have to pay attention to for depth.

Recommended food pairing

Almost anything will do for a Pils’ like this - get into a classic from the tables of many Albertans: pierogi. With bacon and sour cream, or just on their own.