Despite a recent cold snap, the arrival of spring has many beer enthusiasts looking for a refreshing pilsner. One standout option is the Bent Water Pilsner from Bent Water Brewing in Lynn, Massachusetts. This beer features a radiant straw color and offers an "earthy, floral, and slightly spicy" aroma.

Bent Water Pilsner adheres to the classic pilsner style while introducing a distinct edge with its slightly elevated bitterness. The malt balances this with a hint of sweetness, leading to a crisp finish that boasts a gentle hop bitterness. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.2%, it’s a perfect companion for the warming weather.

Tony Porreca, the brewery’s production manager, shared insights about the pilsner. He points out that Bent Water Brewing offers three distinct pilsners, each developed with different flavor profiles in mind. The Common Hope is a dry-hopped Italian pilsner, while the others closely resemble traditional German pilsners. The flexibility of the Italian style allows for more creativity in brewing.

Porreca elaborates on the brewing process, noting that crafting a pilsner requires precision and skill, as it prioritizes clean, smooth flavors rather than overpowering hops found in other beer styles like IPAs. The use of Magnum hops for bitterness, along with a touch of Saaz hops, enhances the beer’s complexity without overshadowing its crisp character.

The malt blend, centering around pilsner malt with added Vienna malt for color and flavor, supports the beer’s gentle sweetness and full body. Porreca suggests that those unfamiliar with Bent Water Pilsner may not find a direct comparison to other pilsners but notes that it leans more towards the bitterness of German varieties rather than the more subdued American styles.

As a pilsner enthusiast, Porreca mentions that a good way to evaluate a brewery is by tasting their lagers, and he personally enjoys the offerings from local breweries like Notch.

Bent Water Brewing Company operates out of 180 Commercial St. #18 in Lynn, Massachusetts. More information can be found on their website at bentwaterbrewing.com.