Sierra Nevada Beer Camp #43 Imperial Pilsner

The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is from Chico, California. This 5.6% ABV beer is part of their annual Best of Beer Camp series. Apparently people can submit videos and be chosen to attend beer camp, where the attendees learn about beer and choose the styles for that year's beer camp releases. An "imperial" beer generally denotes a higher than average alcohol content, which this does not have.

The beer pours clear, with a dark golden color. It is very well carbonated. There is over an inch of white foamy head. The aroma is floral, grassy, a touch of citrus, over a solid bed of golden grain, with some fresh straw. There is just a touch of sweetness. The taste is is crisp, grassy, floral, a touch of citrus, a touch of honey grain sweetness, golden grain, that same touch of straw, and a quite bitter finish. There is even a light touch of pine in the hops. This may not be high in alcohol imperial, but it is kingly in flavor. The flavors are large, but it is just a tad light in the mouth. This is an awesome and delicious American pilsner! They should put this one in their regular line up.