Safety Dance Pilsner

Safety Dance Pilsner by Smartmouth Brewing is definitely a Pale Bitter European Lager (2015 BJCP Category 5), but may fit better as a German Helles Exportbier/Dortmunder (5C) than the German Pils (5D) its labeled as. This beer pours a deep straw color with some golden elements, great clarity with lots of tiny bubbles and bright white head that’s persistent. The nose isn’t substantial but it hits all the notes. Grainy, crackery pils-like malt with floral, grassy noble-like hops, and low fruity esters (pear, apple) with a light sulfur finish. The flavor is similar to the aroma with a nice balance between malt & hops, but with a extra little toastiness on the malt and a hint of citrus showing on the hops. There is a moderate bitterness, with a semi-sweet, yet dry, crisp finish that is light on the mouthfeel, but fairly minerally on the tongue (normal for style). The balance between the malt and hops is really where it dips into the Helles Exportbier style vs German Pils as its straddles being too low on hops for the style. This is a very easy drinking example either way you slice it that checks all the boxes. A nice quaffable summer beer.