John's Beans

John's Beans drinks like a really well-executed nothing—and I mean that as a compliment. There's a subtle sweetness from what I assume are the beans, some light vanilla-adjacent notes that don't announce themselves. The carbonation is tight without being aggressive. It's the kind of beer that disappears in your mouth, which is perfect if you're eating something rich or just want something cold that won't interfere with conversation. The 12 IBUs are basically a whisper.

Newbarns Pilsner

Newbarns Pilsner hits different. You get actual spice and herbal snap on the first sip—that's the Czech yeast doing its thing, combined with the hops that actually get to flex here. It's drier than John's Beans, with a peppery finish that lingers. There's grain depth underneath, almost grainy-sweet, but the bitterness cuts through it clean. This is a pilsner that remembers what it's supposed to taste like.