Emerson's NZ Pilsner

I've had this before several times over several years, but I haven't had it any time recently, and I keep reading about it as the quintessential NZ Pilsner; the pioneer, the beer that invented the style... NZ Pilsner is the first New Zealand style to become an official beer style in the BJCP (beer judging certification program) - https://dev.bjcp.org/beer-styles/x5-new-zealand-pilsner/ - and Emersons is frequently quoted as the Godfather of this style.

Well... I think the huge explosion of even better NZ Pilsners probably ruined it, I had high hopes but I found it to be a bit of an underwhelming beer for such hype... It didn't have a big hop smell, it wasn't particuarly bitter, wasn't particularly hoppy... Overall don't get me wrong, it's yum and it's easy drinking, and it's probably everything a Pilsner should be.... but.... I think I'd rather have a traditional Czech Pilsner (which, even though I'm half German and I love German beer, I much prefer to a German Pils). I do love a good NZ Pilsner, probably more than a Czech one, but I think if you're going to make it it's own style (before say, NZ Pale Ale, which I think really is the more unique and definitive style) then you want beer that says Bang, I'm a Kiwi beer full of Kiwi hops (like the Liberty Halo for example!)

But... This is what craft beer was at one point, and now is what mainstream beer is in New Zealand... So taking that into consideration, it's not bad. 

emersons.co.nz

ABV: 4.9%
Brewery: Emerson's
Region: Dunedin
Style: NZ Pilsner
Wife Check: "It's definitely better than your home brew."