Scrimshaw Pilsner By North Coast Brewing

There are certain styles that I tend to overlook on a regular basis. One of those is Pilsner. There’s nothing wrong with the Pilsner style but I rarely seek it out. But recently I learned something that made me run out and pick up the North Coast Brewing Scrimshaw Pilsner.

For many, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout is probably the beer that comes to mind when you think of North Coast Brewing. But I think there’s a good reason that you should get to know Scrimshaw Pilsner better.

Let’s learn more.

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Review Of North Coast Brewing Scrimshaw Pilsner

I know many that love the Pilsner style. It’s a classic that’s loved among Craft and Macro beer fans.

In fact, I often hear that Pilsner is the beer of choice for brewers.

I often feel the Pilsner lacks the big flavor that I’ve come to love about craft beer. This is mainly because I am new to craft beer and I started with big, bold beers so it was hard to move backwards to more subtle, nuanced flavors.

However, as I’ve learned and developed tastes for more styles, I realized that the Pilsner has a place. But even then, I wasn’t drinking this style very often.

Then I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Tap The Craft, where they were talking about the Pilsner style and specifically the Scrimshaw Pilsner.

This article originally referenced Scrimshaw as having low calories and carbs but in the time since this article was posted, North Coast Brewing has updated the nutrition details of Scrimshaw to 138 calories and 11g of carbs. But don’t worry, they claim “all of them delicious” in their press release.

Staying healthy is important to me so I count calories and exercise. But craft beer can be a tricky hobby when you are trying to monitor calorie intake. Scrimshaw Pilsner makes it considerably easier to enjoy a great craft beer while being mindful of your health.

Scrimshaw Pilsner has an ABV of 4.7% and IBUs of 22.

Here is how North Coast Brewing describes Scrimshaw Pilsner:

Named for the delicate engravings popularized by 19th century seafarers, Scrimshaw is a fresh tasting Pilsner brewed in the finest European tradition using Munich malt and Hallertauer and Tettnang hops. Scrimshaw has a subtle hop character, a crisp, clean palate, and a dry finish.

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Initial Thoughts

After hearing about this beer from the guys of Tap The Craft, I was certain I wanted to try it but not sure I’d like it.

I had tried many Pilsners so why would this one be different. But if the trusty guys from Tap The Craft liked it then I should too, right? Needless to say, I had lots of mixed emotions as I poured this one.

Once poured, the clarity was notable. You can see through this without any issue at all. Which is expected of this style. The head was bright white and had a minimal aroma that was sweet.

Tasting Notes

I always expect the Pilsner style to have a flavor closer to a pale lager. The big difference is the Pilsner has an noticeable hop presence that the pale lagers lack as well as a stronger lager yeast character.

This not only gives it more depth but also makes it more enjoyable as the sweet malt is balanced by the hop flavor and bitterness.

Scrimshaw is a great example of this balance. The sweet malt, grain flavors provide a corn and biscuit flavor to the beer. While the noble hops provide a floral, spicy and bitter quality.

It is crisp, light, and has a dry finish. In the end, the flavor is balanced and easy on the palate. This is a very versatile beer that most will find approachable.

Final Thoughts

Is Scrimshaw Pilsner going to make you re-think everything you know about craft beer? No. But it should probably have a place in your rotation.

This is the kind of beer that we all need to have around for those times when you want a few beers but need it to be light and easy. This would be ideal while doing yard work, grilling or tailgating. It’s also a great option when you are bringing beer to a friend’s house that isn’t a die-hard craft beer fan.

Scrimshaw Pilsner will hit the spot, quench your thirst and fulfill your desire to drink a great craft beer.

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Related Post: Pale Ale Vs IPA – What’s The Difference?

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