Butte Creek Brewing - Organic Pilsner

Butte Creek’s pils pours a golden straw color with a cap of crisp white foam that laces in sheets as it recedes. From the looks alone we can tell Butte Creek has drawn inspiration from German pilsners, which tend to be somewhat lighter than their Czech brethren. On the nose, pale malts deliver a touch of breadiness that forms the base on which to lay the hops. The Wakatu and Sterling hops, which are varietals descendant from the noble Hallertau and Saaz, respectively, were carefully chosen to offer a true-to-style continental European flair. Indeed, they come forth in the aroma with a nice balance among spicy, earthy, floral, and citric qualities. On the palate, it’s everything we look for in a pils: a crackery malt core supporting expressive European-style hops, and a well-balanced character across the palate, ultimately finishing dry and crisp, begging you to take another sip. Pair this brew with seafood dishes, especially those making use of lemon or other citrus. Classic American fare off the grill, including hot dogs, brats, and burgers, are a great choice too. Or, try with a spicy Asian dish like Pad Thai. Cheers!

Butte Creek Brewing began in early 1995 when friends Tom Atmore and Bill Beeghly decided to follow Sierra Nevada’s lead and open a new brewery in Chico, CA. Number two brewer at Sierra Nevada, Roland Allen, jumped over to join the new enterprise as brewmaster. Originally named Chico Brewing Company, the trio changed the name of their new brewery to avoid conflict with Sierra Nevada, which was claiming the right to the name Chico in regards to brewing.

After leasing a building and constructing their brewery, production began in May of 1996. But, it was in 1998 that they made the fateful decision to release their first organic beer, which also was one of the first in the nation. Due to the success of this and other subsequent organic beers, Butte Creek transformed their entire beer lineup into a 100% organic product line over the next few years, becoming one of the very few such brewing companies in the US to do so. Then in 2009, with their lease up in Chico, Butte Creek partnered with the iconic Mendocino Brewing Co. to begin production at their top of the line facility in Ukiah.

Butte Creek currently produces four year-round brews: Pilsner, Porter, Pale Ale, and IPA. For more info, visit them at www.buttecreek.com.