Fait la Force’s Solar Wave – a West Coast Pilsner
If you follow me on instagram, you’ll know that I just called Fait la Force Brewing a hidden gem in Nashville, Tennessee. The brewery, which has a European and Belgian focus, has been open for a few years now and is finally gaining some traction in the area.
IMy first time having any of their beers was just a week or so ago, when I stopped in, and they were so good that when I left, I had to bring some cans back home with me.
Today I have their Solar Wave, a West Coast Pilsner that was dry-hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Motueka hops. It has a solid 5.8% ABV and a four-pack of 16-ounce cans was $16.
This Pilsner poured a bright golden color and was incredibly clear. You could see through this beer completely and could even read a book through it if you wanted to. However, there was very little head that built up when poured – never more than half a finger – as the tiny white bubbles quickly fizzled away, leaving a few around the edge of the glass and nothing else.
The aroma was beautifully hoppy and tropical and light. There were notes of pineapple, mango, grapefruit, and mandarin oranges with just a dash of dankness. It was like opening up a fresh bag of hops and taking a big whiff. And yet, at the same time, it was a rather subtle scent in which you could tell this beer would be light and crushable. I couldn’t wait to dive in.
As indicated by the smell, the beer was crisp and light and crushable. The mouthfeel was thin and watery but the flavors were quite big. The hops were certainly the star of the show, as the imparted dank herbal notes early on that quickly transitioned over to those fruity ones from the aroma.
There was a bite of acidic pineapple initially, however, it was the orange and grapefruit qualities that actually pushed their way to the front for most of the sip. Those citrus fruits added a resinous, pithy bitterness and a bit of dryness to the beer.
Those tropical and juicy characteristics in the aroma actually dropped underneath the citrus rind flavor profile and rarely made an appearance in the taste…peeking out once or twice but staying underneath everything.
On the backend, there is one final pop of hoppy bitterness before everything begins to fade. It’s a clean finish, with no real lingering aftertaste or bitter qualities…making me want to go back for more almost immediately.
It was light, it was flavorful, and it was…a tad hoppy. It says it’s a West Coast Pilsner but it could have easily been a session IPA. The hops do take control of the taste while the Pilsner body keeps it light…which is probably why I like it so much. If you’re a fan of hoppy lagers, this is a must try. To be honest, it might be too hoppy for some. But, as for me, I loved this beer and I’m going back for more.
