Lightning Elemental Pilsner

Bomber from South Bay Drug. Golden color with a multi-finger white head. Smells a bit grainy, and there’s not much bitter. Medium body with creamy, but sharp, carbonation. It’s a bit bready or yeasty. There’s a nice sensation in the mouth, but it is rather flavorless, except for the b/y. Finally in the finish there is the slightest suspicion of hop bitter. That said it drinks fairly well, but it just isn’t right as styled: "While the definition of “pilsner” is open to much debate in beer community, it generally refers to pale, hoppy lagers, ranging from 28IBUs and up. Pilsners that do not meet the specific characteristics of a German or Bohemian pils will be given this generic classification" Agreed it doesn’t meet the Czech or German style, but does it deserve the generic? Is it weak malt liquor or good pale lager? For me it didn’t improve with time and continued consumption.

Pours a clear yellow golden color with a spongy white head. The foam settles slowly to a thin film, leaving patchy rings of lacing on the glass. The aroma is disagreeable, showing a weird mix of sourdough yeast, eggy custard, and sweet, corny malts. Flavors, too, seem to be off. Lemongrass hops lend bitterness, but do little to counter the egg whites and the pungent yeast. Hoppy flan, sans the caramel, is what this reminds me of. The mouthfeel is substantial for the style, but a little on the light side overall. Moderate carbonation leads into a lingering, sourdough finish. I just don’t dig this one very much. Their Ionizer Lager is a much better product.

Hazy golden yellow, moderate to large head, decent lacing and retention. Aroma is grass, hay, some bread, lightly sugary. Medium to light body, somewhat grainy, somewhat sweet.

On tap @ Hamilton’s in San Diego. Nice 10 karat brew with a 1/2 inch dense white head. This one is refreshing...nicely carbonated and has a slightly sweet backbone. A very good pilsner that I would gladly drink again.

On tap @ Ham’s. Pours a pale straw yellow with a good sized white head. Nose of German yeast and hops, with hints of sour citrus. I like the fact that lightning isn’t following the standard San Diego BIG, Giant, Beer trend. Congrats for being different.