Italian Pilsner/5.1% ABV
A fairly recent addition to the world beer stage, the Italian pilsner is trending tempo grande with U.S. craft brewers. But what is it, exactly? Think of it this way: Invented by Czech brewers, the pilsner is basically a more hoppy, spicier lager, while the Italian pilsner is essentially a more aromatic version of a traditional pilsner, by virtue of dry hopping (read: adding hops after the boil, so you get the aroma but not the bitterness). Started by the fellows behind now-defunct Ad Astra Brewing Company in Prescott, Tempe-based Catalyst uses tropical Hallertau Blanc hops in its Vesuvio pilsner, resulting in a lush, straw-colored elixir that will make your mood bellissima, regardless of the summer temps. catalystcraftedales.com
