So there I was in Asheville, North Carolina, and really and truly folks I wasn’t looking for beer. Well OK, I was looking for beer earlier (if you’re in Asheville and aren’t looking for beer you should have your head examined). That was when I was at a few breweries though, and the next day I was going to stop at Bruisin Ales before heading home to buy some beer to bring with.
For the nonce, though, I had walked to the gas station adjacent to the hotel to get some water for the wife, and hey, I just had to check out the beer cooler right? That’s when I saw a bottle of Foothills Torch Pilsner, and I couldn’t pass on it. Hey, who knew if Bruisin Ales would have it?
I couldn’t get it in Georgia that much I knew, because Foothills beers are not sold here. I brought it home and as it was a hot day decided to pair it with that classic Georgia snack, boiled peanuts. I passed on the Cajun variety this time, as for my taste the original ones really do make the perfect beer snack. Thus began my hour of coaxing those soft and salty boiled goobers out of their shells while sipping on the delightful malty hoppy treat that is Torch Pilsner.
From the Foothills website:
Legend has it that, well over a century ago, citizens of western Bohemia grew so dissatisfied with their beer they dumped it in the streets. So a new style evolved, in the city of Pilsen, combining the soft local water with pale malts and earthy Saaz hops. And the Bohemians were pleased. Our pilsner adheres closely to that original style. ’Cause we like happy Bohemians.
Foothills Torch Pilsner has an alcohol content of 5.3% by volume with 35 IBUs. Can you believe that I paid a mere $4 for it? I did.
Foothills Torch Pilsner pours to a pale golden color with a medium sized head of densely packed foam and a perfumey, herbal, lemony and slightly grassy hop aroma. Taking a sip, I get the biscuity, bready malt up front followed by a plethora of aromatic hops. They’re very spicy, herbal and grassy, slightly citric, and leave a long dry lingering bitterness on the tongue. The beer is even a tad buttery as a good Czech Pils should be.
Overall, this beer is a very nicely done pils, a match made in heaven with my local Georgia boiled peanuts. I’d give it 4 stars on its own merits, but I’ll tack on an extra half star for the bargain basement price.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler