The Sockeye Grill and Brewery is a brew pub in Boise that has expanded to the point that they are begining to bottle some of their beers. Is a matter of fact I think I sent Jim some of their Winterfest brew late last year. Well their White Pine Pilsner is not avaialable in bottles, but Friday night my office had a little get together at a local restaurant that had their Pilsner on tap. And you know I began to think about the fact that this was a local restaurant that is supporting a local brewery. Not only is it a brewery but it is also a brew pub so at some level they are competitors. However the local scene in Boise subscribes to the old adage that a rising tide lifts all boats, so you will find a lot of this cross pollination.
See the restaurant we had our little get together in also has a distillery where they make their own Gin, Vodka, and Tequila. So the brewery carries these spirits, and the distillery restaurant carries the brew pubs beers. It all works very well, and helps out both places. I love it when a plan comes together! So I was able to taste this really great pilsner Friday night and it was because of this relationship. It’s all good, and ends up supporting two local institutions. A true win win in the drinking world!
So how was the White Pine Pilsner? It was great! Is a matter of fact it won a gold metal at the Great American Brew Festival in 2007. It was light (which I was looking for because I knew I would have to drive home) so it was very sessionable at about 4.5% ABV. It was crisp, and had the noble hops forward with a bit of a crisp and bready finish. It was great and and I got to support our local beer scene. And best of all work paid! Now that is what I call a win win win!
-Don
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Pretty cool Don! I think its great to support the local beer makers as much as possible, and many times one will find that the stuff brewed locally is top notch! Add that to the social ingredient that we all know you crave and it makes the beer even better!
This was a very tasty brew. I liked it better than Sam Adams Noble Pils, so I would put that at a top flight brew. Local is great especially when you can get great stuff that you would otherwise not be able to drink! 🙂
Nice Don! I came across a 20 gallon still at a antique store for $125 on Sunday and almost bought it. I still might go back for it.
I too enjoy when a Pilsner is upfront in hop qualities.
I’d be very tempted by the still, Nate. You could get in all kinds of fun trouble with that puppy!
That label evokes Orval’s in my mind. Sorry I didn’t get in on this one. I wanted to but had a cold at the time.