Croucher New Zealand Pilsner

Brewed by Croucher Brewing
Style: Pilsener
Rotorua, New Zealand

Serve in Flute, Footed Pilsner

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Pours a slightly cloudy golden with white head.Quite sweet on the nose with floral hops, vanilla and a bit of malt. A very smooth beer due to a roasted malt flavour, but the fruity hops dominate. A hint of vanilla on the finish, and a bit too yeasty on the palate for my taste.

More of an APA than a pilsner. Low carbonation then citrus, flowers and biscuit. A little watery.

A real change from insipid watery pilsners. This one pours a vibrant, perfectly clear amber with a sizeable foamy head. The head settles to more of a collar with some lacing. Floral hop notes on the nose. The taste is definitely hop-driven up front, with some great lemon and grapefruit flavours, with maybe a hit of cut grass in the background. It’s a bit similar to an APA or maybe one of the less aggressive IPAs. The malt backbone however carries it through to a crisp and fresh, if fairly short, finish. Expensive, but a darn fine beer.

This is the Czech pils for IPA drinkers to go for. It’s very hoppy, without being too hoppy, then has so much malt to soften it out. Think Epic IPA. Very much a Czech pils (more malty) versus German, or (God forbid) Euro larger. The NZ hops really shine though. Also had the bottle pictured (in Sydney), and very good it was, but nothing beats draught.

Bottle. Aroma: Earthy fragrant hop. Palate: light-bodied. Flavor: Earthy hop, Dry, clean malt with lingering, dry bitter finish. Comments: Uses Motueka and Riwaka hops.

I don’t generally enjoy pilsner but this beer is quite enjoyable. Strong hoppy aroma and refreshing bitterness. Another win for nz craft beer

light and delicious, flavoursome with the potential for a session beer..well done

Instant classic. I loved this one, really struck a chord as far as nouveau Pilsner brewing goes. It pours a well conditioned, sparkling yellow gold and donned by a big, fluffy and rocky snow-white crown that holds fort and weaves a messy lace. Clean, spicy and well pronounced nose of stinging nettles, peach and apricot, candied pear and a lot of pine-needles. Soft mouthfeel, quite creamy and light, bordering on delicate. Zesty, big hops with a moderately bitter peak on the swallow. Subdued, tangy sweetness along the sides draws attention to the saliva glands assisted by a sharp floral note. Pale, powdery malt mid-palate with hints of straw and hay. Piney after the peak, lots of peach and nettles nestle in long in the aftertaste. It has a crispness to it, the overall effect is grandiose, the balance of flavour enviable. I could happily waste away many a weekend on this beer. Beautifully crafted, a lovely Pilsner. (50cL, no date stamp, Mane Liquor, Belmont)

pale golden color. Lots of pale malty sweetness. Moderately fruity, a touch of honey, good bitterness. Lovely sweet pils. Excellent.

Has a beautiful fresh aromatic nose with hints of hops. These hops are evident when tasted and has good length with a touch of bitterness. A very easy beer to drink, and to me is a good indication of what a good NZ Pilsner should be.

Tasted on tap at Cassel’s in Christchurch. Light gold colour, aromas of lemon peel and banana passionfruit. Good puckering bitterness with those same dominant citrus flavours. The aftertaste is enduring. Easily the best pilsner I’ve had for a month or two and certainly worth going back for seconds.