Winter of Pilsners Continued: Ocelot Sunnyside Dweller Pils

By: Jack Horzempa
Originally posted on Beer Advocate

Today I have another installment for my series of Winter Pilsners: Ocelot Sunnyside Dweller Pilsner.

I was gifted this beer by a generous benefactor. I have never heard of Ocelot Brewery so I am very excited to try this beer.

I did some research on this brewery and I thought others might be interested in knowing about it too:


“Craft beer is a passion, an obsession and a journey. This journey has opened our eyes (and taste buds) to some of the finest examples of beer this planet has to offer. Our tastes and expectations have forever changed, and so have our methods of enjoyment. From beer trades, to home brewing, to attending release parties and festivals one thing became clear… We rarely drink the same beer over and over again, and we love to share.

Our IPAs will be constantly revolving depending on inspiration, hop variety, availability, and season. We will make everything from low gravity Sessions, to Regulars, Doubles, Triples and even a San Diego Pale Ale or two. We will make sure these styles are released, distributed, and tapped… FRESH!

We like big beers and we cannot lie! From the biggest Russian Imperial Stouts aged in spirit barrels to malty Double Reds, Smooth Porters, and velvety Wee Heavies, we just can’t get enough of these complex beauties. Thick mouthfeel, high gravity, and rich flavors suitable for aging to be shared with family and friends. Crack one open to celebrate a special occasion, or just because its a Tuesday.

Mouth puckering sour ales is another style which we adore. One which we hoard, savor, and curse for not being more readily available. Using wine barrels from local Virginia Wineries we will age some carefully crafted super tart ales, blending them when needed and using fruits for character. Once the bugs catch up to our pipeline, expect a new sour to be released every month.

At Ocelot, we love two things… Beer and Music!’

Two things ‘jump out’ to me from the above story:

· “Beer and Music” – I love these two things too!!

· They make the sorts of beers that appeal to the Beer Geek crowd: Hoppy, BIG and sour.

So, how will a musically inclined brewery that makes Hoppy, BIG and sour beers do with a more ‘classic’ beer style like a Pilsner?

I was unable to locate a description of this beer via the brewery so my review below will have to suffice.

One thing I can report is that it comes in a really cool bottle; it looks like a BIG (since it is 500 ml/16.9 ounce) stubby bottle.

On the bottle it states: “PILS 5.1% ABV”

Served in a Firestone Walker Pivo Pils glass

Appearance:

Light straw colored, slightly hazy with a BIG rocky white head. This beer has excellent head retention!

Aroma:

There is prominent bready Pilsner Malt aroma accompanied by a lemony hop aroma.

Taste:

The flavor follows the nose with bready Pilsner Malt flavors and the hop flavors of lemon but also a bit of herbal as well. There is a firm bitterness here.

Mouthfeel:

Nicely carbonated, medium body with a dry finish.

Overall:

I think this beer is very good! It was an enjoyable beer to drink and the combination of bready Pilsner Malt flavor and hop provided flavors go really well together; I particularly enjoyed the lemony aspect. This is a high quality German Pilsner!!

I have one other new Pilsner in my existing inventory. Stay tuned!!

Jack Horzempa is a longtime friend of the store and an extremely knowledgeable home brewer, brewing some of the best beer I have ever tasted. Jack's palate is well seasoned and he has been a valuable source of beer expertise to the store. He has graciously allowed us to re-post his review/posts from Beer Advocate where he has achieved Poo-bah status. Since joining Beer Advocate 12 yrs ago, Jack has posted more than 20,000 times and earned over 25,000 likes.