I occasionally get beer related questions or comments from friends, I guess they feel like I am some kind of expert since I write this blog (I have never claimed to be an expert at anything). The other day my friend Fred texted “True or false: pilsners are back!” My response was that pilsners never went away, they have been the most popular beer style sales-wise for decades. There has been a recent reemergence of the style as many craft beer snobs who abandoned these light lagers in favor of hop-bomb IPAs and boozy imperial stouts have rediscovered the joys of a well crafted pilsner. One of the guys at Craft Beer Cellar told me they were having trouble keeping a few popular local pilsners in stock, a problem that is usually reserved for limited release beers. One of these sought after local versions of the style is Sunny Ridge, the summer seasonal from Jack’ Abby. Sunny Ridge is a German style pilsner brewed with a mixture of European noble hops. It is available on draft and in 12 oz. bottles during the hot summer months
Jack’s Abby Sunny Ridge Pilsner pours a clear golden yellow with a small white head. The scent is mild, some classic old world hop aromas. The flavor is a nice balance of malts and hops. The noble hops are present, notes of grass, herbs and earth along with a refreshingly crisp bitterness. This is complemented by some light malts, touches of bread crust and grain. Sunny Ridge is very light bodied and easy to drink, not quite a session beer at 5.1% ABV but not overly boozy either. The finish is classic lager, crisp and clean with minimal aftertaste. Jack’s Abby Sunny Ridge is one of my favorite versions of the style and a perfect beer for summer. Pilsner is back and this is one of the best. Hoppy Boston score: 4.5/5.
Previous Jack’s Abby Reviews:
Jack’s Abby House Lager, Jack’s Abby Framinghammer, Jack’s Abby trIPL, Jack’s Abby/Otter Creek Joint Custody, BREWERY OVERVIEW, Jack’s Abby Maibock Hurts Like Helles, Jack’s Abby Hoponius Union, Jack’s Abby Barrel-Aged Framinghammer, Jack’s Abby Bride Maker, Jack’s Abby Brewery/Hopstitution BAM, Jack’s Abby Copper Legend, Jack’s Abby Session Rye IPL, Jack’s Abby Mass Rising, Jack’s Abby/Evil Twin Jack’s Evil Brew, Jack’s Abby Wet Hop Lager, Jack’s Abby Pro-Am Pilsner
Hoppy Boston 
