Another beer from Hokkaido, this time their pilsner. Lager beer and thus pilsner are quite close to my heart, so I was looking forward to this one.

Otaru Bakusyu Pilsner

It’s clear straw color, and has no head. I mean it, nothing. I tried pouring it the most foaming way, but no. Nothing even to leave lacing. This made me think it would be very hoppy and light.

But the nose wasn’t some hop explosion. It was a fresh, grainy, sweet nose with a floral bitter hint.

The body is much heavier than I expected, but it doesn’t go so far to call it creamy or anything. It also has lighter carbonation (despite all the bubbles) that matches the slightly thicker pilsner feel.

It has a gentle, light taste. The malts and hops are well balanced – it’s neither too bitter nor too sweet. For most of it, it’s grainy and bready, but there is also a sweet floral to it.

The aftertaste is not sweet, rather on the bitter end, with some of the thickness left. It’s a pilsner on the heavier end, but still enjoyable and refreshing nonetheless.