Perfect for summer, this refreshing lager has a smooth malt flavor that’s balanced with classic Saaz hops and a crisp, thirst quenching finish.

They’re absolutely right. This is a perfect summer brew. I remember a few years ago when a local radio talk show host did a program on the best beer for a barbecue. It was around this time of year, in the vicinity of July Fourth. The general consensus was that Budweiser or perhaps Coors best suited this venue. To a point, I’ll agree. Though I generally enjoy beers with more flavor than the aforementioned brews, there’s something to be said for an icy cold brew, sweat running down the bottle, while slaving over a hot outdoor grill, blazing under the sweltering beach sun, or just after an exhausting session of lawn mowing.

Still, there are plenty of craft brewed beers that can be just as enjoyable in the hot weather. Certainly, an imperial stout or barleywine are not ideal choices. By no means am I saying I don’t drink them this time of year, but they’re just too heavy to be enjoyed under the hot sun. I much prefer a low alcohol, sour and quenching Berliner Weiss at the beach. A hefeweizen, perhaps with a slice of lemon, often gets the nod at a barbecue chez Bruguru. If you stop by on the Fourth of July or Labor Day, you’ll likely find a refreshing pilsner similar to the one I’m sipping tonight from Full Sail.

Full Sail Pilsner pours to a light golden color with a thin fizzy head and an enticing crisp nose. The palate is light and crisp with a good biscuit-like malt backbone. A tea-like, perfumey aromatic hoppiness develops gradually into the finish until a lingering Saaz hop bitterness takes over and punctuates the brew nicely. In spite of the very warm weather I’m resisting the temptation to drink this ice cold and instead I’m enjoying it at about 50 degrees. This allows the flavors to be fully appreciated in the beer.

Interestingly, Full Sail Pilsner is almost a dead ringer for Sam Adams Boston Lager, albeit with a bit more bitterness in the finish. The malt body and aromatic hop qualities are identical in the two beers. I have always considered Samuel Adams Boston Lager to be a fine pilsner, and the Full Sail is an excellent one as well, so this shouldn’t necessarily be surprising.

In any event, this is a great beer to drink outdoors. I’m enjoying mine with a sirloin steak grilled with Cajun spices, mashed red potatoes with garlic, and a medley of fresh steamed vegetables in lemon pepper butter.

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