I wouldn't classify Spotted Cow as a traditional pilsner, although it does contain some pilsner malt in its grain bill. Spotted Cow is more accurately described as a farmhouse ale or a cream ale. It has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from a typical pilsner.
Let's break down the components of Spotted Cow to understand its style and characteristics better. The base of the beer is made up of Pilsner malt, which gives it a light, pale color and a clean, crisp taste. Pilsner malt is known for its mild sweetness and contributes to a smooth mouthfeel.
In addition to Pilsner malt, Spotted Cow also includes white wheat. This adds a subtle creaminess to the beer, giving it a smooth and slightly fuller body. The white wheat also enhances the head retention and adds a touch of sweetness to the flavor profile.
To add a bit of complexity and depth to the beer, caramel malt is included in the recipe. Caramel malt provides a hint of toasty, caramelized flavors and a touch of sweetness. It adds some depth and richness to the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
The water used in brewing Spotted Cow comes from a well on the brewery property. This water has a hard character, which means it contains minerals that can influence the final taste of the beer. The specific mineral content of the water used in Spotted Cow contributes to its unique flavor profile, adding a subtle mineral quality to the beer.
When it comes to hops, Spotted Cow uses the finest Saaz hops that the brewer can acquire during the hop selection process each year in Europe. Saaz hops are known for their delicate, floral, and slightly spicy aroma and flavor. They are a traditional choice for European lagers and farmhouse ales. The use of Saaz hops in Spotted Cow adds a subtle hop bitterness and a touch of herbal and floral notes to the beer.
To ferment Spotted Cow, a German ale yeast is used. This yeast strain ferments at slightly higher temperatures compared to lager yeast, which is typically used in pilsners. The German ale yeast contributes to the fruity esters and spicy phenols that are characteristic of farmhouse ales.
While Spotted Cow contains some elements commonly found in pilsners, such as Pilsner malt and Saaz hops, it is not a straightforward pilsner. It is better categorized as a farmhouse ale or cream ale due to its unique combination of ingredients and flavor profile. Spotted Cow offers a refreshing and approachable beer with a touch of creaminess, subtle sweetness, and a hint of hop bitterness.