Pilsner Urquell
Plzeňský Prazdroj

After procuring a 6 pack of Pilsner Urquell in the new "cold shipped" packaging, I have to say it's actually done a good job of preventing skunkiness. The skunk on the aroma has been replaced with mild diacetyl, crackery malt, and zesty hops - not fantastic, but miles better than the lightstruck aroma that plagued my other (single) bottle. The drinkability factor is still there, though admittedly my bottle seems to be low on hops. I'm upping scores all around; without a doubt this is the best macro lager in the business.

---

12 fl oz bottle into a pint glass.

A: Pours a perfectly clear golden straw color. The head is a fluffy two finger white color with surprising retention (for a macro lager). Good lacing, too.

S: AARGH LIGHTSTRUCK!!! Beneath the unfortunate skunk in the aroma, there lies simple pale malts and zesty noble hoppiness.

T: Thank smeg the flavor is a massive improvement. Initially, some fruity esters greet the palate, before the zesty, refreshing finish...AND IT'S GONE! Holy shit, did I finish the beer that quickly? It's hardly BCBS, but as far as simple macro-brewed lagers go, this one's the best in the business.

M: The palate feel seems perfectly tailored to provide crisp refreshment. There's this real sense of subtle delicacy that separates this not only from the BMC stalwarts, but numerous craft lagers as well. The bitter aftertaste is fantastic for what this beer is trying to accomplish.

O: A damn shame about the skunky nose - luckily the rest of the beer easily compensates by offering everything you could want in a proper pilsner. Could be a go to for me in cans/on tap.

(review from many decades ago in the 1980s when I was introduced to imports) The gold standard of pilsners with great palate heft, a malty/straw-like flavor and a clean, crisp, slightly lingering aftertaste. Excelsior!

If you can find it fresh this is the reference for all Pilsners.

Bought a 6-pack after having good experiences with Trumer Pils out of Berkeley, CA but I didn't realize the country of origin would have this large of an impact on taste. Supposedly this is way better from a keg but until I try it that way this is a 5/10. (I might have a skill issue of not enjoying Saaz hops)

 

 

 

Enjoying from a can. Solid pilsner-they set the standard, right? That earthy taste. Not dirt-like, like a beet, but earthy in the way only a pilsner can be. Always a solid choice.

It’s been several years since I last had Pilsner Urquell. I usually drink New England IPAs. I had forgotten how good this is! Perfect balance and more malt depth than I remember. I’ll definitely be getting more soon. Its really good to have one of the classics

 

 

 

What a perfect balance between malt, hops, and mouthfeel. I think the soft water from the artisan well where it’s sourced also contributes greatly to the flavor, as well as does the yeast, of course.

It’s also the freshest European beer that you can find in the States. You can often find it 5 to 7 months from its end date, which is nine months from the bottling date, and it’s refrigerated the entire time, if you find it in the cold case, as the brewery takes great effort to keep it cold and ship it fast.

My only slight gripe that I have with this beer is that the head is scant and it disappears quickly. But I’m not taking a single point off for looks because its golden straw color is far better than any of its pilsener counterparts’.

This beer goes perfectly in a Stölzle Lausitz Berlin beer glass which is basically a tulip glass without the flare at the top.

 

 

 

Here and there in Valencia and great price. Quality varies, wish it were fresh and unfiltered.

 

 

My personal gripe with Urquell lies with one of its core features according to many drinkers and advocates, namely the bitterness. I just can never get through a bottle or can without a slight grimace, and I find nothing else about the drink remarkable, hence a lower rating.