Tröegs Sunshine Pils - Tröegs Brewing Company

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -20.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

First had: ?
Recent tasting from a fresh bottle.

Clear, bright, yellow pour, with an aggressive pour [into a red Solo cup] yielding a huge fluff of white head that retained well. Light grainy aroma, sweet pils malts. Similar taste, pils malts, fairly sweet, mild hops for a bit of balanced, corny grains. Just really not my thing, but still pretty typical for the style all around. Light body, not very drinkable to me, but if you like the style, then sure, go for it.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 05:29:32 | More by Rifugium

Jimmys

Pennsylvania

3.35/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 2.75

12 oz bottled. bottled 04-01-13.

A: bright yellow hue. great clarity. bright white head has good retention and tons of lacing.

S: the yeast component is strong, probably the most in-your-face aroma going on here. reminds me more of a Helles than a German Pils at this point. a mild German hop aroma chimes in at the end, but minimal at best.

T: yeasty. similar to the nose with the strong yeast flavor. a bit of grain too. almost biscotti or licorice like. finish has a significant amount of bitterness that lingers with a grainy flavor.

M: average. moderate amount of carb. light bodied brew.

D: overall I am a little disappointed with this brew. I know this has won a gold medal at GABF which typically equates to cream of the crop brews. however, this is just not doing it for me. not only as a German Pils but even as a well-made beer. yeast component too strong, hop character not enough. maybe last years was better...

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2013 03:35:33 | More by Jimmys

lsummers

California

4.38/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a bright, slightly hazy yellow. Seems to be very close in color to the sun on the packaging.

Smells of some clean fresh malty caramel sweetness with a touch of cut grass.

Taste starts with crisp brown sugar, nutty, biscuit notes. There's a peppery, slightly herbal and fresh cut grass hop note that adds to the fresh bite. It's very clean and soft. The moderate carbonation adds some sharpness.

Overall, this is a great pilsner. One that I feel keeps up and surpasses many of the top German pils.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2013 17:13:42 | More by lsummers

mikejseal

Virginia

4.2/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hard pour from a bottle that was given a little shake

A: very little head that faded quickly-nice lacing though. Beautiful pale straw color

S: Spicy, citrusy grassy scent

T: Nice spicy herbal twang from the hops with no bitterness

M: very dry, crisp and refreshing-low carbonation though

O: I love German pilsners so it's no surprise that I liked this- The particular spicy herbal hints in this beer was nice.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 16:57:10 | More by mikejseal

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

3.54/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Brief write-up regarding a fresh batch on-tap. This was everything I had hoped for - a refreshing, easy drinking pilsner with a pleasant earthy/lemony hop profile. No, it won't win awards for complexity or depth, but when you're washing down some delicious "steamed crab" chicken wings, I can't think of a better beer for the task. I also think it does an okay job of coming across bigger than it really is, both in mouthfeel and flavor, without ruining its drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

05-09-2013 02:51:17 | More by ThisWangsChung

kangarooAdam59

Maine

4.11/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From my PA haulback:

Bottled 04/05/13:

Into a pilsener:

A: clear yellow colored body with a thick white foamy head that leaves some nice thick clingy lacing, light carbonation is seen rising at a moderate pace

S: slightly spicy and malty, somewhat peppery

T: once again spicy pretty much all throughout even through the aftertaste and finish, wow, probably one of the spiciest Pilseners I've ever had, but I like it

M: light, sessionable, ABV - ha, what ABV, carbonation seems a bit sharp however, it still leads to good for the style

O: this is a spicier version of a German Pilsener that I like, still there is some nice malt presence that comes out well. I would have this again.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 22:04:20 | More by kangarooAdam59

stephenjmoore

Maryland

4.31/5  rDev +14%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A- Pale, clear, straw colored body. Thin white bubbly head on top.

S- Spicy pilsner malt along with a lemony, citrus hop aroma. Very hoppy lager aroma.

T- While a pilsner is not everyone's cup of tea, this one has great flavor for the style. Great lemony hop presence along with the classic pilsner malt. The German hops work great in this one and seem to be dialed up.

M- Medium-high carbonation, light and crisp body. Great as a summer or session quencher.

O- I am not the biggest pilsner fan, but this one is fantastic. Really hits the spot when looking for a lighter refreshing beer with a different hop profile.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 00:27:50 | More by stephenjmoore

Samp01

New Jersey

3/5  rDev -20.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a pale yellow with a small white head and some lacing. Aroma and Taste of citrus, grains, some biscuit malt, yeast and a bit of peppery spicy hops. Palate is a crisp medium body, with good carbonation. Finish is biscuit malt, yeast, citrus notes with a good amount of peppery spicy hops bitterness, seems a bit on the bitter side. Overall not the best but an ok summertime pils

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2013 23:21:05 | More by Samp01

brystmar

New York

3.53/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Golden yellow body; thin, fizzy, white head with poor retention. Doesn't smell like much... Maybe some bready malt? That's about it.

Crisp, tasty flavor profile. Surprising amounts of lemon & citrus add a nice touch. Good balance on the carbonation, medium body adds creaminess. I enjoyed this more than expected; would be happy to session this brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2012 02:43:33 | More by brystmar

garuda

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Clear straw, white head has nice retention with some lacing.

S - Bready, biscuit malts with an herbal, floral hop finish.

T - Taste is a little more hoppy than the aroma. Hay, grass, some lemon, floral and herbal. Finishes with a lingering pine/grassy bitterness.

M - Light, refreshing, finishes crisp and clean.

O - Another solid pils from PA. Wish I had gotten it in the summer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-23-2012 15:00:05 | More by garuda

mdfb79

New York

3.73/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

From 08/30/12 notes. Had this on tap at Amity Hall in NYC. Served in a pint glass.

a - Pours a clear golden yellow color with two inches of bright white head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of grains, wheat, light floral hops, and some earthy notes. Floral notes are nice.

t - Tastes of floral hops, wheat, grains, bready malts, earthy notes, light citrus hops, and light fruity malts. A step up from the nose.

m - Medium body and low to moderate carbonation, the body is smooth and creamy. Very easy to drink and great mouthfeel.

o - Overall a good pilsner; I could see a lot of non-craft beer drinkers enjoying this one. The nose doesn't have a ton going on but the taste is much better, and it is super easy to drink. Could definitely see myself having it again if I was looking for a pislner.

Serving type: on-tap

09-04-2012 15:05:32 | More by mdfb79

MDDMD

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-light golden color with a nice white head and a little lacing

S-light malt, faint citrus

T-malt, citrus, light pine, a nice bitter hop finish

F-light body with moderate carbonation, crisp and refreshing

O-a nice solid pilsener with good flavor, but a little light on the body

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 01:59:45 | More by MDDMD

Crundy

Ohio

3.15/5  rDev -16.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Clear golden straw color, fluffy white head

S: Nice fresh lemon with some grapefruit as well, earthiness

T: Earthy bready malt, minimal bitterness and carbonation, slight lemon flavor

M: bright mouth feel, light bodied, slight bitter aftertaste

O: Its a good beer, refreshing and great for a hot summer day.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2012 15:53:50 | More by Crundy

rlee1390

Indiana

3.45/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A-Cloudy straw yellow with a one finger head.

S-Straw, some grass, not much else.

T-Straw, wheat, malty and sweet. Not much else, not much bitterness.

M-Light, not much carbonation, slightly flat even.

O-A refreshing beer that grew on me as I drank it but still it didn't seem to bring much to the table.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2012 18:03:02 | More by rlee1390

kawilliams81

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Stome Ruination pint.

A- pours a light golden with a 2 finger white head. Small bubbles and blotches remain on the glass.

S- honey, lemon and slight pine

T- sweet pale malts with some citrus and light, crisp hop bitterness.

M- light body, medium carbonation. Nice feel with lots of effervescence.

O- good pilsner with some sweet light malts and a crisp hop bite..

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2012 00:48:20 | More by kawilliams81

n2185

North Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: pours a clear yellow with a finger of white head that fades into a thin layer with little lacing.

S: pilsner and crystal malts with biscuits and slightly bitter hop notes.

T: similar to the aroma, though a bit more bitter with pinky hop notes and less biscuity flavor.

M: light body with highish carbonation, this beer is nice, dry, and crisp.

O: a solid beer overall, though I'd like a bit more depth.

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2012 05:37:34 | More by n2185

wspscott

Kentucky

3.48/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle in pint glass
bottled 4/26/12

A: Very pale yellow with a thin white head, only a small amount of lacing.
S: Slightly grainy, a hint of grass, not much in the way of hops
T: A sharp bitterness that lingers a bit, grainy taste, almost husky, makes me think 2-row vs. pils malt. It has a nice Saaz spicy bite to it.
M: Very crisp, tingly carbonation,
O: A very good german pils, I would like a little more hop flavor, but this is very true to style. An excellent summer beer. I would be very happy to see this in KY especially because the alcohol level makes it easy to have another one.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 19:57:09 | More by wspscott

flagmantho

Washington

3.83/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 12oz bottle into a pint glass.

Appearance: pale yellow hue with a light effervescence and a thick finger of frothy white foam. Pretty decent.

Smell: light malt aroma with a distinct but pretty clean graininess. A hint of spicy hops comes through in the aroma. Not too bad, but a hint of unwelcome sourness is present as well.

Taste: light malt with a nice dryness and a lighter dose of the graininess from the nose. Noble hops are definitely present with a nice bitterness toward the end. Bracing and refreshing.

Mouthfeel: light body with a decent carbonation and a pretty good creaminess. The body is perhaps a little too light but it's otherwise got a nice texture.

Overall: this is a highly refreshing and quenching Pilsner. I would love to try this on tap on a hot day.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2012 00:27:47 | More by flagmantho

pburland23

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a Pilsner Urquell glass.

Appearance: Beer pours a bright golden yellow. It's clear and fizzy. The head was slightly thin but bright white. A very summer looking and attractive pour.

Smell: Sweet malts, some moderate lemon notes and floral hops. Smells nice but pretty run of the mill for a pils.

Taste: Sweet malts again, a little grassy, a little bready. Some lemon zest and hops bitterness. A very crisp, clean pilsner. Flavors are tight and work well together.

Mouthfeel: Light bodied and easy to drink. The carbonation is nice and spritzy. It leaves a little tickle on your palette.

Overall: I'm a big fan Troegs fan so that I enjoyed Sunshine Pils is of no surprise to me. It's not the best pils brewed in Pennsylvania but is still quite good.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2012 12:07:35 | More by pburland23

socon67

New York

3.48/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A - Bright yellow pour with a thin foamy head. Very clear, and carbonated with tiny bubbles racing up the glass.

S - Smells of lemon zest, and light malts. Has an earthy smell.

T - A bit of peppery spice, but mostly pale malt, citrus, and ligth grains.

M - Thin, but refreshing. Even for the style I would have liked a little more body.

O - Okay example of the style, but I;d tale many of the others from Troegs first.

Serving type: growler

06-18-2012 00:07:25 | More by socon67

microbrewlover

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This brew pours a cloudy golden color with a one finger head and moderate lacing. Good carbonation.

The smell is lemon, orange, hay, with some floral hops. A little bit of pepper too.

Sweet malts are on the front end, followed by yeast, lemongrass, orange then slightly bitter, slightly peppery on the back end. The brew finishes with a gritty, grassy taste.

The mouthfeel is clean and crisp. There is also a grainy, earthy taste left in the mouth as well as hop oils with linger on the tongue.

Overal this is a solid summer pilsner; great for a hot day. I normally don't like pilsners but this brew has me changing my mind.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 22:32:59 | More by microbrewlover

dbrauneis

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served in a bottle at Black Bear Bar & Grill in Hoboken, NJ

A: Pours a crystal clear pale golden yellow in color with some very light amounts of visible carbonation. The beer has a quarter finger tall white head that quickly reduces to a small patch of very thin film. Minimal lacing is observed.

S: A much stronger aroma than I was expecting for this beer or this style... Moderate to strong aromas of pale malts, lemon, and some grassy hops.

T: Like the smell, the taste of this beer is zesty. Flavors of pale malts, lemon zest, and light to moderate bitterness from the grassy hops. I would describe this beer as a little buttery.

M: Light to medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly thin but very crisp.

O: Very easy to drink and quite sessionable - the lighter flavors and the low ABV combine to make this one a very nice summer beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 14:02:43 | More by dbrauneis

superspak

Michigan

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 ounce bottle into pilsener glass, bottled 4/16/2012. Pours slightly hazy golden straw color with a nice 1-2 finger fairly dense white head with good retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lingers. Some light spotty lacing on the glass. Aromas of big lemon, grass, pepper, bread, apricot, herbal, floral, and yeast spiciness. Nice and pleasant aromas with good balance and decent strength. Taste of big lemon, pepper, light citrus peel, bread, cracker, grass, herbal, floral, and earthy spices. Nice amount of peppery spices on the finish; with lingering notes of lemon, grass, bread, pepper, floral, and earthy spices on the finish for a short bit. Fairly dry on the finish as expected; with some lingering hop flavors. Very pleasantly balanced with a nice amount of hop flavor. Medium carbonation and light-medium bodied; with a very smooth and crisp mouthfeel. No alcohol presence at all other than a light warming after the finish. Overall this is a very nice and well made Pilsener. Nicely hopped with good flavor balance; and very easy to drink. Well done.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2012 04:58:04 | More by superspak

schoolboy

Ohio

3.93/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

vAs you would expect from a first rate brewery like Troegs, this is a very good pils. It is maybe too good for the style - it is not very sweet and it has a nice hops aftertaste. These may be good characteristics, but most examples of the style are too sweet and not very hoppy.

The beer seems pretty flat, but this does not detract fromit much. It is very clear yellow. This is a nice inclusion in their summer sampler and should not be avoided - this is what a pils can be.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2012 18:25:54 | More by schoolboy

Rickythejeweler

Maryland

3.6/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Clear light yellow, tons of carbonation bubbles, two finger bone white head, good lacing.

S - Grains, grass, lemon.

T - Slightly bitter hoppiness, grains, almost metallic, light.

M - Thin-medium body, moderate-high carbonation.

O - Simple, light, definately won't try it again.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2012 20:26:46 | More by Rickythejeweler