I’ve enjoyed the various beers from the Farm to Market collaboration series from Portland-based Zupan’s Markets, in which the specialty grocery partners with different breweries to brew beers exclusively available on the Zupan’s shelves. There’s a new one out now (more on that soon) but the previous release had Zupan’s partnering with Von Ebert Brewing to release Modern Citra Pilsner.

I’d received samples of the brew, and posted details about it when it was released:

“We’re really excited to partner with Zupan’s Markets for their spring Farm to Market release,” said Sam Pecoraro, Head Brewer, Von Ebert Brewing. “Over the past year, we’ve been focused on developing what we call Modern Pilsners as part of our lager program, and Modern Citra Pilsner allowed us to explore that area further. The Citra, Mandarina Bavaria, and Saphir hops work together in the beer to create a combination of classic noble hop character and modern citrus complexity.”

Farm to Market Beer Profile:

• ABV: 5.2%
  Tasting Notes: A modern Pilsner with delicious notes of lemon meringue, white flowers, clean malt backbone and a moderate bitterness
• Full Hop Profile: Magnum (boil), Mandarina Bavaria (boil), Citra Incognito CO2 Extract (whirlpool), Saphir (dry Hop), Citra Cryo (dry hop)

Von Ebert has been crushing it with its lagers of late, so I had high expectations for the brew. My notes:

Appearance: Crystal clear burnished gold, with good carbonation—there’s a steady stream of bubbles feeding a delicate, tall white head.

Smell: Bright with notes of berries and green fruit and a savory hit of sorrel or perhaps even citrusy spruce tips. Otherwise, it’s fairly clean with a possible light snatch of sulfur.

Taste: Good stiff earthy-spicy bitterness with a solid base of crackery, toasted grain malts. Hops continue their bitter streak mid-palate and bring in some fruit peel and melon rind flavors. It finishes with a a crisp and dry snap at the back.

Mouthfeel: Light, dry, and crisp with a pleasant earthiness in the lingering aftertaste.

Overall: It’s quite nice, with an interesting hop character that doesn’t overwhelm the essential “pilsner” character.