Orange Blossom Pilsner and Orange Blossom Pilsner 2 (OBP²)

I sat down with my wife for a side-by-side tasting of Florida’s Honey Beer, Orange Blossom Pilsner and it’s big brother, Orange Blossom Pilsner 2 (squared). The pair are brewed by Thomas Creek.

Orange Blossom Pilsner

This light (in both color and mouthfeel), easy drinking pils clocks in at a respectable 5.5% ABV. Boasting all natural ingredients and no refined sugars, it’s sweet but subtle with no discernable smell and pours with very little head or head retention. There is a decent amount of carbonation, resulting in moderate tongue-tingle. It’s refreshing and presents a low-key combination of honey, orange, hops and malts that, while nice, isn’t especially exciting. If you’re looking for a beer that would be easy to consume in multiples, with a slight citrus flavor, this is a good pick. It was my wife’s favorite of the two. She praised the lightness, subtlety and drinkability.

Orange Blossom Pilsner²

Brewed with half the water as the original, OBP² promises twice the flavor and delivers. The 11% ABV is evident as you slowly sip down the thick mouthfeel, very similar to some whiskeys. A caramel flavor emerges to complement the stronger orange and honey. It smells great – sweet, floral and burning a bit with alcohol. It is a darker amber color and poured with even less head than its little brother. This is a much more substantial drink than OBP and requires your attention. This was my favorite of the pair, due to the sweetness and well-defined (if a bit one-note) flavor.

I feel that these are both a bit of an acquired taste and don’t provide much crossover appeal for die-hard fans of opposing styles. While each have their high points (drinkability for OBP and the liquor-like qualities of OBP²) neither defines themselves as must-drink beers.