Pilsner Urquell
Plzeňský Prazdroj

(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.

Exactly what a pilsner is supposed to be which makes sense since its the original. My favorite beer by far.