Doc and I recently rendezvoused in New Orleans for a bachelor party and the first weekend of Mardi Gras. A good time was had by all, we’re told. Photographic evidence supports this conclusion. And we are inclined to believe that it is most likely true. After all, who doesn’t enjoy 70+ degree weather in February, the finest examples of American culinary execptionalism, and, of course, boobs? Nobody, that’s who. Although the lion’s share of our visit involved a slow and deliberate crawl to the finest craft cocktail lounges in town – Bar Tonique was the unanimous favorite – the visit offered a chance to sample Abita’s S.O.S. (“Save Our Shores”), a pilsner brewed to assist with the rescue and restoration of the Louisiana environment following the catastrophic Deep Water Horizon oil spill.
Notes: Bomber with outstanding etched artwork – images of sea life that, given the context, will make your blood boil. Luckily, you have a winning option on hand to cool down.
Style: Weizen Pils w/ Pilsner and Wheat malts, hopped and dry-hopped w/ Sterling and German Perle hops.
ABV: 7.0% ABV.
Appearance: A sunshine-gold, hazy pour with clearly apparent carbonation.
Head: A half finger of pure bleached cotton head with immediate, icy lacing.
Nose: Wheat on the front gave way to a nice floral sweetness.
Taste: Above all, citrus. Surprisingly potent notes of lemon and orange with a nice wheat balance.
Drinkability: Crisp, light, dry, and refreshing. A solid example of the genre.
Rating: 3 hops. A beer that tastes good and makes you feel even better. Resurgam, Nola.
ALEHEADS 