*Originally posted July 13, 2021*
One aspect of the independent craft beer scene that can be a downfall is consistency. This is true whether we are referencing the availability of core beers or variations from batch to batch. Beers take time to make, and it is difficult to execute them consistently every time if that is the intent. It seems to be even more evident with a Lagerbier. Chapman’s Pils defies both. Not only has it been consistently available, as noted with this special 500th batch, but the quality of this Lagerbier has rarely wavered. Chapman Crafted Pils Dry-Hopped Batch 500 is Enbeerment’s Lagerbier of the Week!
This batch is a purposeful variant with the addition of dry-hopping (adding hops at the tail end and/or end of fermentation) with Grüngeist and Saphir hops to highlight this milestone. Dry-hopping is not common practice in traditional Lagerbier production in the old world, but it is one of the defining characters of an Italian Pilsner. Could Pils Batch 500 be classified as an Italian Pilsner? Perhaps. The standard Chapman Pils is already a wonderful Lagerbier with its well attenuated (percentage of fermentable sugar fermented), dry, snappy, and floral aspects. The dry-hopping adds some extra oomph.
Pouring a pale golden yellow with a fluffy cap of foam. Aromas of the combination of Grüngeist and Saphir hops explode out of the glass! Notes lime zest, fresh green tea leaves, underripe peach, grain cereal, and slight sulfur (it’s a good thing, trust me). On the tongue, flavors of lemon rind, crushed mint, cut grass, berry skin, and light white bread underneath it all. Medium body with a soft textured mouthfeel and a bitter, snappy, bone-dry finish with only a bit of fragrant hops that linger.
Pick up a 4-pack and pair it with just about anything! A great paring at any backyard cookout is carne asada or citrus-marinated chicken tacos with a kickin’ salsa. The lime, cilantro, and onion will resonate with the grassy, lemony hops, bitterness will contrast the heat of the salsa, and the carbonation will wash it all away.