Spring Break
Brews Clues
This week's Ale: Scrimshaw
Dennis Mongello
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
In justifying his tirade against TV, Sideshow Bob says, "Why, we could revive the lost arts of conversation ... and scrimshaw." It wasn't the only time The Simpsons mentioned this lost art of engraving in ivory. However, I'd like to think that instead of raising awareness for the fine arts, Sideshow Bob meant he'd wish everyone would just turn off the TV and crack open an ice cold lager. What does beer have to do with any of this? Well, it just so happens that North Coast Brewing Company named their Pilsner "Scrimshaw." And I promise: no animals were poached in its production.
Scrimshaw pours a medium yellow. It is somewhere between a Belgian white ale and a more traditional American pilsner. It is very intriguing. It is a bit yellow, but it has a very pale tinge. This is unexpected for American pilsners, which all generally look the same. Although, I should mention that this isn't based on the American style, but its German cousin, even though the North Coast Brewing Co. is in Fort Bragg, Calif.
A unique look is a great way to set a beer apart from its peers, and Scrimshaw has a unique looks that not only differentiates it from the crowd, but is also good on its own accord. The head, as expected, is soapy and cloud white, and leaves behind very minimal lacing.
The aroma is grainy and hoppy with slight bread aroma backed up by copious amounts of boozy citrus notes. The scent finishes off with a floral bouquet. It is a light, refreshing scent that really stands up on its own. I was surprised that a beer so light could have such a pronounced, pleasant scent.
The taste is as light and refreshing as its aroma. It has a slightly sweet edge where other pilsners taste musty and all too bitter. That's not to say that Scrimshaw isn't bitter at all, because it has just enough hops to give it a kick of bitterness. The taste is packed with doughy malts and peppery hops. It is crisp and refreshing like a white ale, but then again, it is full-flavored and malty like a lager.
Scrimshaw is thick and medium-bodied, and the carbonation comes in waves. When the beer first reaches your lips, it feels a bit thin, but as you swallow it, the bubbles begin to explode, and this gives the beer a doughy texture. It can be sipped, gulped or chugged. No matter how you drink it, it'll go down smooth and taste good.
It is a versatile beer that will go well with almost any type of meat. It's a German style of beer, so of course it'll match best with German food; however, its mild, refreshing flavor would match well with the mild flavor and texture of sushi. It also goes well with sharp or spicy cheeses.
Scrimshaw pours a medium yellow. It is somewhere between a Belgian white ale and a more traditional American pilsner. It is very intriguing. It is a bit yellow, but it has a very pale tinge. This is unexpected for American pilsners, which all generally look the same. Although, I should mention that this isn't based on the American style, but its German cousin, even though the North Coast Brewing Co. is in Fort Bragg, Calif.
A unique look is a great way to set a beer apart from its peers, and Scrimshaw has a unique looks that not only differentiates it from the crowd, but is also good on its own accord. The head, as expected, is soapy and cloud white, and leaves behind very minimal lacing.
The aroma is grainy and hoppy with slight bread aroma backed up by copious amounts of boozy citrus notes. The scent finishes off with a floral bouquet. It is a light, refreshing scent that really stands up on its own. I was surprised that a beer so light could have such a pronounced, pleasant scent.
The taste is as light and refreshing as its aroma. It has a slightly sweet edge where other pilsners taste musty and all too bitter. That's not to say that Scrimshaw isn't bitter at all, because it has just enough hops to give it a kick of bitterness. The taste is packed with doughy malts and peppery hops. It is crisp and refreshing like a white ale, but then again, it is full-flavored and malty like a lager.
Scrimshaw is thick and medium-bodied, and the carbonation comes in waves. When the beer first reaches your lips, it feels a bit thin, but as you swallow it, the bubbles begin to explode, and this gives the beer a doughy texture. It can be sipped, gulped or chugged. No matter how you drink it, it'll go down smooth and taste good.
It is a versatile beer that will go well with almost any type of meat. It's a German style of beer, so of course it'll match best with German food; however, its mild, refreshing flavor would match well with the mild flavor and texture of sushi. It also goes well with sharp or spicy cheeses.
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