For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying another beer from the North Coast Brewing Company located in Fort Bragg, California called the North Coast Scrimshaw.

As many of you know, North Coast Brewing generates a very good product regardless of style, so I’m expecting this beer to be more of the same. 

From the website, northcoastbrewing.com, I found this description.

Named for the delicate engravings popularized by 19th century seafarers, Scrimshaw is a fresh tasting Pilsner brewed in the finest European tradition using Munich malt and Hallertauer and Tettnang hops.  Scrimshaw has a subtle hop character, a crisp, clean palate, and a dry finish. 

Let’s give this beer a try shall we?

This beer comes in a 12 oz. bottle and at a lighter 4.4% ABV. 

It poured a hazy, yellow/gold, honey color.  The head was very bright white and very small.  Very little retention and very little lacing was left behind.  I was a little disappointed with the look of this brew.  Most North Coast beers look really nice in the glass, however this one was a little lackluster.  Oh well, let’s just see how the other aspects hold up.

The nose had touch of piny hops along with some earthy and “buttered” tones.  Fruity aromas of lemon citrus as well as wheat and grain hints gave way to a yeasty smelling backbone.  Not a whole lot going on here I didn’t think, although it had enough to keep me interested. 

The taste brought forth a commendable punch of bitterness.  The lemon citrus started meager, but became more prevalent and sour as the beer warmed.  Some hints of toasted bread and yeast helped pull some of the tartness off the lemon.  Not bad. 

The mouthfeel was medium/light, crisp, clean, refreshing, smooth and mostly dry.  The carbonation was so-so and the tongue and roof of the mouth were left with quite a bit of flavor to enjoy. 

This was a solid Pilsner I thought.  It’s not a “traditional” Pilsner like one would find in Germany, but rather a little more closely associated with a Wheat beer I thought.  It’s nothing too complicated, but it’s nothing dull or boring either.  Just a pleasant drink that would fit nicely with Spring or Summer.  I, personally, don’t think the Scrimshaw is the best brew that North Coast produces, but it’s still worth a try if you happen to see it.  It could very well be the beer you’ve been looking for. 

Be sure to let me know what you think of it if you happen to try it.  Thanks for reading and commenting guys.  It’s most appreciated.  Until next time.

Cheers.

Score:  3.4 out of 5
Grade:  B-