Pilsen
Cerveceria Costa Rica
Beer Geek Stats
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- Style:
- Pilsner - Bohemian / Czech
Ranked #511 - ABV:
- 5.1%
- Score:
- 69
Ranked #50,149 - Avg:
- 2.85 | pDev: 20.7%
- Reviews:
- 30
- Ratings:
- From:
- Cerveceria Costa Rica
- Costa Rica
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 2
- Gots
- 20
SCORE
69
Poor
69
Poor
Notes:
Reviews: 30
| Ratings: 91
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BucBasil from Rwanda
2.4/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Bought and consumed in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. One of 2 beers that are ubiquitous thoughout Costa Rica, in every store and little shop. This one has a bit of a harsh bite and a finish of grass and grain. Highly carbonated. I prefer the other popular beer here.
Mar 26, 2021
2.4/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Bought and consumed in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. One of 2 beers that are ubiquitous thoughout Costa Rica, in every store and little shop. This one has a bit of a harsh bite and a finish of grass and grain. Highly carbonated. I prefer the other popular beer here.
Mar 26, 2021
mothmanscott from Georgia
3.45/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
This one was brought to me from Costa Rica; hand delivered by my friend, PhytoGen cotton agronomist Russell Nuti. Thanks! The story goes, it and a bottle of Imperial flew home in his boot. Must have been a cowboy boot. Hope it doesn't impact the aroma or flavor.
Pours crystal clear deep straw/pale gold. A respectable amount of effervescence rises from the bottom of the glass. An ungentle but not aggressive pour produces 3+ fingers of billowy, shaving cream foamy, moderately lasting, white head that leaves thin motes and streaks of lace as it recedes. A nice surface cap and collar ring add to the presentation. Aroma is crisp, dry pilsner malts and yeast: biscuit and cracker with lemon, floral and grassy hops; there are also fruity and honey-like hints. Taste is a more vibrant but similar version of the nose: cracker, biscuit and sweet clean grain with lemon and grass hops. Honey, floral and fruitiness are also present. This brew is sweet and wet fronted with little bitterness. In fact there's almost no bitterness until the aftertaste. The dry promise of the nose does not develop until late in the finish where it lingers into the aftertaste. Mouthfeel is light-medium bodied with moderate carbonation, crisp, tongue clinging and lightly prickly. Dryness, bitterness and a slight astringency occur late in the swallow and aftertaste. A modest but decent example of the Bohemian pilsner style, it is very drinkable. Doesn't appear it's travel time in a boot adversely affected it's aroma or flavor.
Mar 02, 2019
3.45/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
This one was brought to me from Costa Rica; hand delivered by my friend, PhytoGen cotton agronomist Russell Nuti. Thanks! The story goes, it and a bottle of Imperial flew home in his boot. Must have been a cowboy boot. Hope it doesn't impact the aroma or flavor.
Pours crystal clear deep straw/pale gold. A respectable amount of effervescence rises from the bottom of the glass. An ungentle but not aggressive pour produces 3+ fingers of billowy, shaving cream foamy, moderately lasting, white head that leaves thin motes and streaks of lace as it recedes. A nice surface cap and collar ring add to the presentation. Aroma is crisp, dry pilsner malts and yeast: biscuit and cracker with lemon, floral and grassy hops; there are also fruity and honey-like hints. Taste is a more vibrant but similar version of the nose: cracker, biscuit and sweet clean grain with lemon and grass hops. Honey, floral and fruitiness are also present. This brew is sweet and wet fronted with little bitterness. In fact there's almost no bitterness until the aftertaste. The dry promise of the nose does not develop until late in the finish where it lingers into the aftertaste. Mouthfeel is light-medium bodied with moderate carbonation, crisp, tongue clinging and lightly prickly. Dryness, bitterness and a slight astringency occur late in the swallow and aftertaste. A modest but decent example of the Bohemian pilsner style, it is very drinkable. Doesn't appear it's travel time in a boot adversely affected it's aroma or flavor.
Mar 02, 2019
fizzy from Minnesota
2.68/5 rDev -6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Went through a 15er from WalMart in Liberia for $17. Cheapest place I’ve found down here. It’s an okay beer that is much like any general US macro. A little on the sweet side but does not go overboard like some. Hey, I’m 71 YO and have put a lot of beer down my throat in the last 50years. To much analysis is what makes life miserable. Drink Imperial or Pilsen and don’t complain. If you don’t want to do that pick up a 12pk of the Beast. Miller sells a lot down here, as in Panama. Wowwww, the Beast, brings America to you!
Jan 21, 2018
2.68/5 rDev -6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3
Went through a 15er from WalMart in Liberia for $17. Cheapest place I’ve found down here. It’s an okay beer that is much like any general US macro. A little on the sweet side but does not go overboard like some. Hey, I’m 71 YO and have put a lot of beer down my throat in the last 50years. To much analysis is what makes life miserable. Drink Imperial or Pilsen and don’t complain. If you don’t want to do that pick up a 12pk of the Beast. Miller sells a lot down here, as in Panama. Wowwww, the Beast, brings America to you!
Jan 21, 2018
StonedTrippin from Colorado
3.28/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
this was hands down our favorite of the national lager brands, and anything these guys make or that you could find everywhere in costa rica. its a pretty solid lager, almost entirely devoid of the adjunct crap all the other ones have, especially when they warm up, and while its obviously short of the mark set by better international pils types, its a beacon of quality refreshment in their otherwise forgettable portfolio. its not as dry as the best, and certainly not as hoppy, but all the elements are there to be appreciated, its light and crisp without being watery or flavorless, and it just felt to us much higher quality than the others. there is a mild pils malt sweetness up front that is sort of its defining feature, and its snappy in the finish, super refreshing when its freezing, but it warms up not bad either, especially compared to its peers, and thats critical in costa rica where its so hot and humid that unless you are a three or four sip per beer kind of guy, your beer is definitely going to get at least a little warm on you. i probably had 30 of these over the past week, and enjoyed every one of them, morning, late night, hungover, dead sober, can, bottle, you name it. nice to have one to rely on, and of the macro stuff, this was my horse. brief cultural anecdote here, the locals warned me often that this was "strong beer", which i guess it is compared to many of the others, but come on! i thought that was a hoot!
May 14, 2017
3.28/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
this was hands down our favorite of the national lager brands, and anything these guys make or that you could find everywhere in costa rica. its a pretty solid lager, almost entirely devoid of the adjunct crap all the other ones have, especially when they warm up, and while its obviously short of the mark set by better international pils types, its a beacon of quality refreshment in their otherwise forgettable portfolio. its not as dry as the best, and certainly not as hoppy, but all the elements are there to be appreciated, its light and crisp without being watery or flavorless, and it just felt to us much higher quality than the others. there is a mild pils malt sweetness up front that is sort of its defining feature, and its snappy in the finish, super refreshing when its freezing, but it warms up not bad either, especially compared to its peers, and thats critical in costa rica where its so hot and humid that unless you are a three or four sip per beer kind of guy, your beer is definitely going to get at least a little warm on you. i probably had 30 of these over the past week, and enjoyed every one of them, morning, late night, hungover, dead sober, can, bottle, you name it. nice to have one to rely on, and of the macro stuff, this was my horse. brief cultural anecdote here, the locals warned me often that this was "strong beer", which i guess it is compared to many of the others, but come on! i thought that was a hoot!
May 14, 2017
hoppytobehere from District of Columbia
3.44/5 rDev +20.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Between the two of the biggest macros here in Costa Rica, this is my favorite. Decent amount of flavor, and perfect for those hot and humid days at the beach.
Dec 31, 2016
3.44/5 rDev +20.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Between the two of the biggest macros here in Costa Rica, this is my favorite. Decent amount of flavor, and perfect for those hot and humid days at the beach.
Dec 31, 2016
mikeg67 from New Jersey
2.2/5 rDev -22.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
12 oz. Pours pale straw with tall, long lasting, fluffy, white head and lively carbonation. Aroma is of grassy hops and pale malt. Body is light and crisp. Pale malt and grassy hops combine on the palate. Finish is short and dry. Good to try once.
Dec 31, 2015
2.2/5 rDev -22.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2
12 oz. Pours pale straw with tall, long lasting, fluffy, white head and lively carbonation. Aroma is of grassy hops and pale malt. Body is light and crisp. Pale malt and grassy hops combine on the palate. Finish is short and dry. Good to try once.
Dec 31, 2015
ordybill from Georgia
3.77/5 rDev +32.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12 OZ bottle into a pint glass at the World of Beer in Cary, NC. This beer is a crystal clear golden color with a thick white head. The aroma is big on grain and has very little hop to it. The taste is fairly weak with an AAL grain flavor. Bottom line, this is a good beer to drink when you want to drink a lot of beer.
Sep 30, 2015
3.77/5 rDev +32.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 12 OZ bottle into a pint glass at the World of Beer in Cary, NC. This beer is a crystal clear golden color with a thick white head. The aroma is big on grain and has very little hop to it. The taste is fairly weak with an AAL grain flavor. Bottom line, this is a good beer to drink when you want to drink a lot of beer.
Sep 30, 2015
BayouMafia from Texas
2.13/5 rDev -25.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 1.75
More like Pissen. This stuff is terrible. Few options available while on vacation in Costa Rica but this is the worst of the "major" brews there. Pours gold like any other macro pilsner or lager, which plenty of carbonation and white head. Tastes terrible.
Jul 26, 2015
2.13/5 rDev -25.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 1.75
More like Pissen. This stuff is terrible. Few options available while on vacation in Costa Rica but this is the worst of the "major" brews there. Pours gold like any other macro pilsner or lager, which plenty of carbonation and white head. Tastes terrible.
Jul 26, 2015
cambabeer from New York
2.4/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
This is a pretty trashy czech pilsner. It tastes smells and feels much more like an adjunct lager. Looks pale yellow, with big carbonation and a head that dissipates pretty quickly. Smells crisp and malty, plus metallic and a little rotten. Tastes a little better then it smells, but still not good. The hops are a little redeeming but the boringness of the malt character and the rotten veggies that inhabit the aftertaste are quite annoying. Oh well. When in costa rica, options for good beer are seriously limited. Seriously.
Aug 05, 2012
2.4/5 rDev -15.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
This is a pretty trashy czech pilsner. It tastes smells and feels much more like an adjunct lager. Looks pale yellow, with big carbonation and a head that dissipates pretty quickly. Smells crisp and malty, plus metallic and a little rotten. Tastes a little better then it smells, but still not good. The hops are a little redeeming but the boringness of the malt character and the rotten veggies that inhabit the aftertaste are quite annoying. Oh well. When in costa rica, options for good beer are seriously limited. Seriously.
Aug 05, 2012
johnnnniee from New Hampshire
3.03/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
12 oz can brought back by a good friend from his trip to Costa Rica, Thanks for the opportunity Rob!
Pours a solid golden yellow with a smallish white head that dissipates quickly. Smells of sweet pilsner malt with hints of grain honey and enough hops to keep it from cloying. Sweet rich grainy malt with a slight floral hop flavor. Medium body with a moderate level of carbonation and a slightly sweet mouthfeel. I liked this best of the three beers we sampled at our impromptu Central America lager fest. Decent beer for the style but could have really used some more hops.
Jul 23, 2012
3.03/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
12 oz can brought back by a good friend from his trip to Costa Rica, Thanks for the opportunity Rob!
Pours a solid golden yellow with a smallish white head that dissipates quickly. Smells of sweet pilsner malt with hints of grain honey and enough hops to keep it from cloying. Sweet rich grainy malt with a slight floral hop flavor. Medium body with a moderate level of carbonation and a slightly sweet mouthfeel. I liked this best of the three beers we sampled at our impromptu Central America lager fest. Decent beer for the style but could have really used some more hops.
Jul 23, 2012
Phyl21ca from Canada (QC)
2.53/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Bottle: Again poured a clear bright yellow color lager with a medium bubbly white head with not much retention. Aroma of light corn note is attenuated by balanced sweetness. Rice provided a well balance taste with a hint of sweetness and a bland aftertaste. Body is OK for style. Not as bad as bland as it can be.
Dec 31, 2010
2.53/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Bottle: Again poured a clear bright yellow color lager with a medium bubbly white head with not much retention. Aroma of light corn note is attenuated by balanced sweetness. Rice provided a well balance taste with a hint of sweetness and a bland aftertaste. Body is OK for style. Not as bad as bland as it can be.
Dec 31, 2010
AgingWarrior from Florida
2.55/5 rDev -10.5%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
A colleague gave me two cans of this brew. Poured a very light yellow color into my Terrapin pint glass. Lots of fizzy bubbles and about a finger of white head. The head disappeared very quickly as did the bubbles. The head did provide some thin lacing.
Smell's like grassy grains. Not a very strong scent, but rather bland and weak.
Taste is like the smell, grainy, rather bland and weak.
Mouth feel is light body and light carbonation. Just not a lot to feel here.
I suppose this has average drinkability, but I don't know why I'd want to drink it. It's just bland and somewhat devoid of any real taste.
May 19, 2010
2.55/5 rDev -10.5%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
A colleague gave me two cans of this brew. Poured a very light yellow color into my Terrapin pint glass. Lots of fizzy bubbles and about a finger of white head. The head disappeared very quickly as did the bubbles. The head did provide some thin lacing.
Smell's like grassy grains. Not a very strong scent, but rather bland and weak.
Taste is like the smell, grainy, rather bland and weak.
Mouth feel is light body and light carbonation. Just not a lot to feel here.
I suppose this has average drinkability, but I don't know why I'd want to drink it. It's just bland and somewhat devoid of any real taste.
May 19, 2010
rallison from California
3.31/5 rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bought and tasted in Costa Rica - side to side with Imperial, Pilsen and Bavaria Gold.
A: All were fine for the style with good carbonation that produced a nice head. 4s all around.
S: Imperial had a strong cooked corn smell with other vegetal notes - 2.5. Pilsen had light vegetal notes but mostly a simple grainy aroma - 3.0. Bavaria had no discernable vegetal or off notes and had a simple grainy aroma.
T: Imperial was a touch harsh at the front with bitterness and hotness. Refreshing the rest of the way through. 2.5. Pilsen was simple throughout, but refreshing. Light bitterness. 3.0. Bavaria was the least bitter and had a touch more focus on bready malts (just barely). 3.5.
M: Imperial came on slightly strong but was otherwise fine. 3.0. Pilsen - 3.5. Bavaria - 3.5.
D: Given that these are meant for a hot Costa Rican day, they all drink well. I'll give a slight nod to Pilsen and Bavaria. Imperial - 3.5. Pilsen and Bavaria - 4.0.
Sep 10, 2009
3.31/5 rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Bought and tasted in Costa Rica - side to side with Imperial, Pilsen and Bavaria Gold.
A: All were fine for the style with good carbonation that produced a nice head. 4s all around.
S: Imperial had a strong cooked corn smell with other vegetal notes - 2.5. Pilsen had light vegetal notes but mostly a simple grainy aroma - 3.0. Bavaria had no discernable vegetal or off notes and had a simple grainy aroma.
T: Imperial was a touch harsh at the front with bitterness and hotness. Refreshing the rest of the way through. 2.5. Pilsen was simple throughout, but refreshing. Light bitterness. 3.0. Bavaria was the least bitter and had a touch more focus on bready malts (just barely). 3.5.
M: Imperial came on slightly strong but was otherwise fine. 3.0. Pilsen - 3.5. Bavaria - 3.5.
D: Given that these are meant for a hot Costa Rican day, they all drink well. I'll give a slight nod to Pilsen and Bavaria. Imperial - 3.5. Pilsen and Bavaria - 4.0.
Sep 10, 2009
DV8HARD from Florida
3.25/5 rDev +14%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
I live in Costa Rica right now and since there is only one Macro-brewery in the country (Cerveceria Cost Rica) this beer and Imperial are the two most common beers, Imperial being more popular but, I like Pilsen more. People here drink a lot, without exaggerating there is a bar on every corner.
This is the beer I drink. I have to say it an average beer. There isn't anything special about the head. The nose and taste is malty. It is probably carbonated more than most beers.
Jul 25, 2009
3.25/5 rDev +14%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
I live in Costa Rica right now and since there is only one Macro-brewery in the country (Cerveceria Cost Rica) this beer and Imperial are the two most common beers, Imperial being more popular but, I like Pilsen more. People here drink a lot, without exaggerating there is a bar on every corner.
This is the beer I drink. I have to say it an average beer. There isn't anything special about the head. The nose and taste is malty. It is probably carbonated more than most beers.
Jul 25, 2009
dirtylou from New York
2.58/5 rDev -9.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
ah yes pilsen, the alternative to Imperial in the lush costa rican rainforest
appearance: straw golden body, amber tints, minimal white froth
smell: grassy, doughy, meh
taste: i did not care for pilsen at all - foul malt sweetness, no real pilsner traits. Go with Imperial
mouthfeel: mid-range body for the style
drinkability: not great. i only had 2 on my trip
May 24, 2009
2.58/5 rDev -9.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
ah yes pilsen, the alternative to Imperial in the lush costa rican rainforest
appearance: straw golden body, amber tints, minimal white froth
smell: grassy, doughy, meh
taste: i did not care for pilsen at all - foul malt sweetness, no real pilsner traits. Go with Imperial
mouthfeel: mid-range body for the style
drinkability: not great. i only had 2 on my trip
May 24, 2009
JoeBloe from New York
3.35/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
new label design from what's pictured here, also reads 5.1% abv on label - i preferred this to imperial or bavaria gold - pretty much the same from can or bottle - good enough for a day's activity in the costa rican sunshine, but made me really appreciate the leffe and duvel bottles i found in a little st elena mercado for a late afternoon siesta on my cabana deck.
Feb 23, 2009
3.35/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
new label design from what's pictured here, also reads 5.1% abv on label - i preferred this to imperial or bavaria gold - pretty much the same from can or bottle - good enough for a day's activity in the costa rican sunshine, but made me really appreciate the leffe and duvel bottles i found in a little st elena mercado for a late afternoon siesta on my cabana deck.
Feb 23, 2009
Brianmerrilyn from New York
2.88/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This is the "other beer" available in rural NW Costa Rica outside of La Cruz. After 2 sixers of Imperial, I was ready to try just about anything and saw the locals pulling for this one instead, thereofore when in Rome....
A: Poured into a mini pint glass, almost the same goldenesque as Imperial, but with amber accents to some extent. Still has a quality head of 1.5 fingers and ring laces well.
S: From what I could tell, and I had plenty of time to attempt to glean something, the best I got was minor mini sweet malts, bits of dough.
T: Somewhat followed the nose, very mild hops and tangs of the malts. Average regular hops but muddled and not impressive.
M: Fairly crisp at first, but overall watery and dissapointing.
D: Better than Imperial, but not much even though it's Pilsener as compared to a macro lager. I agree that I preferred the Imperial over this one.
Jul 18, 2008
2.88/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This is the "other beer" available in rural NW Costa Rica outside of La Cruz. After 2 sixers of Imperial, I was ready to try just about anything and saw the locals pulling for this one instead, thereofore when in Rome....
A: Poured into a mini pint glass, almost the same goldenesque as Imperial, but with amber accents to some extent. Still has a quality head of 1.5 fingers and ring laces well.
S: From what I could tell, and I had plenty of time to attempt to glean something, the best I got was minor mini sweet malts, bits of dough.
T: Somewhat followed the nose, very mild hops and tangs of the malts. Average regular hops but muddled and not impressive.
M: Fairly crisp at first, but overall watery and dissapointing.
D: Better than Imperial, but not much even though it's Pilsener as compared to a macro lager. I agree that I preferred the Imperial over this one.
Jul 18, 2008
TheEremite from California
2.83/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This is the smaller of the two major Costa Rican beers (Imperial being the larger). They're similar beers, but Pilsen tastes slightly sweeter and leaves an undesirable cloying maltiness, especially for the overly hot climate of the country. I was happy to have a few with dinner, but given a choice, I'd pick the Imperial 9 times out of 10.
May 31, 2008
2.83/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This is the smaller of the two major Costa Rican beers (Imperial being the larger). They're similar beers, but Pilsen tastes slightly sweeter and leaves an undesirable cloying maltiness, especially for the overly hot climate of the country. I was happy to have a few with dinner, but given a choice, I'd pick the Imperial 9 times out of 10.
May 31, 2008
flexabull from California
3.53/5 rDev +23.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5
My favorite beer in Costa Rica, it's my beer of choice when I'm down there.
Pours a bright and pale straw gold color. The head is nice, and retains well.
Aroma is quite faint, all I really notice is a hint of sweetness.
Flavors are creamy and crisp. There is some sweetness, and a nice dry slightly hoppy finish.
Mouthfeel is average, but more full bodied than what I expected.
This beer is made to be very drinkable. And it delivers, especially in the heat of Costa Rica. This is quite refreshing, and I certainly had my fair share on my most recent trip... Pura Vida!
Jan 21, 2007
3.53/5 rDev +23.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5
My favorite beer in Costa Rica, it's my beer of choice when I'm down there.
Pours a bright and pale straw gold color. The head is nice, and retains well.
Aroma is quite faint, all I really notice is a hint of sweetness.
Flavors are creamy and crisp. There is some sweetness, and a nice dry slightly hoppy finish.
Mouthfeel is average, but more full bodied than what I expected.
This beer is made to be very drinkable. And it delivers, especially in the heat of Costa Rica. This is quite refreshing, and I certainly had my fair share on my most recent trip... Pura Vida!
Jan 21, 2007
alysmith4 from District of Columbia
3/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Tried this beer in Costa RIca.. was a good alternative to Imperial, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much. It was a lot lighter in taste and flavor, yet (slightly) higher in alcohol. A solid choice though none-the-less. Worth trying, especially if it means taking a trip to CR!
Jan 18, 2007
3/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Tried this beer in Costa RIca.. was a good alternative to Imperial, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much. It was a lot lighter in taste and flavor, yet (slightly) higher in alcohol. A solid choice though none-the-less. Worth trying, especially if it means taking a trip to CR!
Jan 18, 2007
GooberMcNutly from Florida
2.27/5 rDev -20.4%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Good if you want the standard tropical knockoff of a Bavarian Pilsen. Of course, Costa Rica was populated by a lot of German Immigrants, and it shows that they did what they could with the local ingredients and climate.
More flavor and alcohol than the Imperial, and a little more head and color as well, but the differences were minor. Its a Bud/Miller thing between the two. Just order whatever the bar specializes in. You will find them mostly interchangeable.
Oct 03, 2006
2.27/5 rDev -20.4%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
Good if you want the standard tropical knockoff of a Bavarian Pilsen. Of course, Costa Rica was populated by a lot of German Immigrants, and it shows that they did what they could with the local ingredients and climate.
More flavor and alcohol than the Imperial, and a little more head and color as well, but the differences were minor. Its a Bud/Miller thing between the two. Just order whatever the bar specializes in. You will find them mostly interchangeable.
Oct 03, 2006
Anderbrau_IPA from Panama
3.94/5 rDev +38.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5
i've heard this the best beer in Costa Rica.. i believe they are right.
perfect Golden color with a strong bitter smell.
when pouring the head looks just about fine, but.. it dessapears in no time, really...
the taste is a bit dry, yo can feel the carbonation and the well cook seeds for the preparation of this beer, is indeed strong in abv%.
there's a negative side about this beer,. . .the first impression is good, as well as the first couple of sips. . after that the beer becomes average amercian macro lager... in a way you loose the perfect feeling, . . but even though, is the best option in the CR market.. . .Pura Vida Mae...
Jun 21, 2006
3.94/5 rDev +38.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5
i've heard this the best beer in Costa Rica.. i believe they are right.
perfect Golden color with a strong bitter smell.
when pouring the head looks just about fine, but.. it dessapears in no time, really...
the taste is a bit dry, yo can feel the carbonation and the well cook seeds for the preparation of this beer, is indeed strong in abv%.
there's a negative side about this beer,. . .the first impression is good, as well as the first couple of sips. . after that the beer becomes average amercian macro lager... in a way you loose the perfect feeling, . . but even though, is the best option in the CR market.. . .Pura Vida Mae...
Jun 21, 2006
Redrover from Wisconsin
3.5/5 rDev +22.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I just returned from my second extended visit to Costa Rica and had plenty of opportunities to sample this one.
The beer pours a standard macro yellow with a fair head and very active carbonation. No real lacing.
The beer smells very clean with a bit of grains and a whisper of hops.
The taste is crisp and slightly bitter. The beer has a bit of a grain taste and the hops add a bit of a bite, which is appreciated.
The mouth is solid and balanced. This one is an extremely easy drinker. Best out of the heavy returnable bottles, the cans seem to add a bit of metallic taste.
I like this much better than its more popular stable mate Imperial. I would guess that the IBUs are about 15 on the Pilsen vs. about 10 on the Imperial and that pushes up the taste.
Apr 06, 2006
3.5/5 rDev +22.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I just returned from my second extended visit to Costa Rica and had plenty of opportunities to sample this one.
The beer pours a standard macro yellow with a fair head and very active carbonation. No real lacing.
The beer smells very clean with a bit of grains and a whisper of hops.
The taste is crisp and slightly bitter. The beer has a bit of a grain taste and the hops add a bit of a bite, which is appreciated.
The mouth is solid and balanced. This one is an extremely easy drinker. Best out of the heavy returnable bottles, the cans seem to add a bit of metallic taste.
I like this much better than its more popular stable mate Imperial. I would guess that the IBUs are about 15 on the Pilsen vs. about 10 on the Imperial and that pushes up the taste.
Apr 06, 2006
blackie from Oregon
3.19/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
appearance: The pour into my pilsner glass creates a fluffy 1.3" white head that recedes oh so gradually back into the liquid. The beer is an ultra clear golden hay color.
smell: Light grain and (rice?). Light hoppiness.
mouthfeel: The carbonation is high, and the body light.
taste: Very light in flavor, kinda watery. Flavors of light grain are about all that is found. Very light hop flavor. Not sure if this is all malt or not, but I would guess not. That said, there is nothing offensive, just a lack of much character.
drinkability: Easy to drink, but boring
My mom brought back a bottle for me from her trip to Costa Rica.
Mar 30, 2006
3.19/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
appearance: The pour into my pilsner glass creates a fluffy 1.3" white head that recedes oh so gradually back into the liquid. The beer is an ultra clear golden hay color.
smell: Light grain and (rice?). Light hoppiness.
mouthfeel: The carbonation is high, and the body light.
taste: Very light in flavor, kinda watery. Flavors of light grain are about all that is found. Very light hop flavor. Not sure if this is all malt or not, but I would guess not. That said, there is nothing offensive, just a lack of much character.
drinkability: Easy to drink, but boring
My mom brought back a bottle for me from her trip to Costa Rica.
Mar 30, 2006
jaluria from Connecticut
3.28/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
Probably the best beer I had in Costa Rica...decent representation of the style, but the most flavorful of the other beers available in can form.
Appeared a soft-golden color with a white head that leaves behind just a touch of lacing. Aromas of hops, grass, and earth come out. The taste is as might be expected with a mild bitterness that has characteristics of earth and pine. The mouthfeel is highly carbonated to add texture, but it is still quite thin. Good drinkability with is neutral flavors and texture.
Mar 11, 2006
3.28/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5
Probably the best beer I had in Costa Rica...decent representation of the style, but the most flavorful of the other beers available in can form.
Appeared a soft-golden color with a white head that leaves behind just a touch of lacing. Aromas of hops, grass, and earth come out. The taste is as might be expected with a mild bitterness that has characteristics of earth and pine. The mouthfeel is highly carbonated to add texture, but it is still quite thin. Good drinkability with is neutral flavors and texture.
Mar 11, 2006
Pilsen from Cerveceria Costa Rica
Beer rating:
69 out of
100 with
91 ratings
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