Whatever gets popular first will always be the first thing that gets turned on, so it's no surprise that through the rise of craft beer in Louisiana, Abita's become an easy target. They were the originators in terms of craft-type stuff in Louisiana, and they've become readily available enough to become somewhat ubiquitous. And we all know how [insert genre] snobs hate the ubiquitous.
Don't get me wrong, Abita doesn't do everything right, but they do a lot well. They provide a readily available alternative to the Buds and Millers of the world, and have recently begun to experiment more and more with seasonals and other special casks, etc...
Their new summer seasonal dropped last week, so I decided to pick some up: Seersucker Summer Pills.
Abita Seersucker Summer Pils (June - September) is a traditional pilsner with a full bodied malt flavor, hop bitterness and a light golden color. It is made with pilsner and carapils malts, hopped with German Tradition and Spalt hops. This Pils pairs well with seasonal summer favorites like grilled chicken, salmon or garden salads. It also is a refreshing choice with spicier dishes, Mexican food and most Asian cuisines. Try it with a mild white Vermont cheddar, Havarti or Monterey Jack cheese.
This one looks like your basic typical pilsner in the mold of any light beer, with a shiny golden color. But is definitely more flavorful. It's 4.8 percent ABV and available in six-pack bottles.
Review
The bouquet is surprising and very floral, almost like an IPA. But on the first taste, you get a little bit of kind of a neutral malt flavor -- not sweet -- that dips right into a hoppy spiciness that is distinct but not overpowering. It's kind of effervescent, almost like bubbles on your tongue. The maltiness creeps back in to balance things out and go down smooth. Solid session beer for warm weather or a little outdoor grilling. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.