Bill and Karen Butcher founded Port City brewing ten years ago and quickly started putting out award winning beers. Their crew now number more than two dozen and they’ve achieved the distinction of being the longest operating brewery in the Washington, D.C. metro-area, they offer up seven year round beers along with a handful of seasonal ones. Their focus is on delivering European tradition with American craft ingredients - the results are high-quality, high-consistency beers that beat up thirst for its lunch money. To complement their tasty beers, Port City lights up the later part of the week with a rotating cadre of friendly food trucks who set up shop in their parking lot. If you’re heading through near the weekend, it’s well worth a stop in their tap room. The German Pilsner is built on the old-world style but tends toward a drier and lighter-bodied expression than the classic German beer. Serves well at 8°C and can cellar for up to six months.
Pours a pale apple juice colour with a fairly clear body and low carbonation. A thin layer of sticky foam rests on top and leaves trails on the glass.
A strong aroma of doughy malt on top with hints of toasted biscuit inside. A bright, sharp zest of citrus leaps out and the hops deliver a floral nose that is slightly sweet and green.
While this beer deviates a touch from the classic Pilsner, it’s not such a far trip as you might expect from the hype. Strong underlying malt component that helps highlight the combination of citrus zest and floral hop that opens up as it warms on the tongue. There’s a bit of vague spiciness too, making for an interesting twist on the Pilsner that still sits comfortably in the style’s strike zone. A crispy body that finishes off with a dry smack of the lips.
Classic Pilsner will rock with almost any hearty pub food, but being slightly drier this beer would complement a based Mac N’ Cheese.