Lublinskie Polish Pilsner
Church Street Brewing Company

 

 

 

I've had a thing for Czech Pilseners ever since returning from Prague, just more than a year ago. When I saw this on Church Street's menu I just had to try it. In fact, my wife, who is not near the beer drinker that I am, did the same thing. Due to Church Street's 3 beer per person max, she and I agreed that she would order it and let me try it so that I could continue to try other beers that I wanted to review as well. This pilsener is a bright golden color that seems to glow a bit. It is clear with light carbonation clearly visible. A bright white frothy head dissipates quickly to thin lacing that is retained quite nicely. 4/5 The aroma is hop forward with grass and lemon really being the most prominent aromas. Light undertones of white bread, cracker, biscuit, and butter come through but not very strongly. 3.75/5 The flavor profile starts out with a bit of white bread and sweet grains, both of which are very light. Lemon juice, lemon rind and a grassy bitterness come out quite quickly, shortening the malty flavors to a quick intro. As the beer warms, a bit of biscuit and butter come out with just a hint of pear. The bitterness is moderate and lingers after swallowing. 3.5/5 A light carbonation tickle comes out right away and transitions to a creaminess that wets and coats the entire tongue before transitioning to a light dryness that lingers lightly on the palate. Interesting mouthfeel here. Light bodied. 3.5/5 I have to say that I respectfully disagree with the low reviews here. I quite liked this beer although it's not my favorite Czech Pilsener. This is a very light beer that is sessionable and flavorful. It is a bit drier and hoppier than most Czech's that I have had, but it does still showcase the style nicely. 3.5/5

 

 

Bottled 9/24/2015
$10.99 from Gene's Sausage Shop

Unfortunately this was infected after 8 months.
Pours a bright golden orange, steadily rising carbonation. Long lasting foam and sticky lace.
Aroma is a little acidic, lightly fruity with a funky hay note. Chlorine note comes out later.

Taste is tart and a little bit astringent. Clean aftertaste with some grassy noble hop bitterness.
Not sweet at all, pretty much the opposite. Thin and highly carbonated. Seems to be infected.

I've had dozens of Polish pilsners, and was intrigued by the inspiration to make a stateside rendition.
Will have to look for a fresh bottle next time, and re-rate.

 

 

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle. Beer is a medium pale gold with an impressive off white head. Syrupy sweet grain notes dominate the nose to the point of obscuring just about everything else. Hops do come through a bit more in the palate, but in a jarring grapefruity way. The effect is a bit off putting. Mouthfeel is a bit thin, though there is a decent level of carbonation. This is a disappointment especially because I have had other beers from Church Street and really liked them.

Appearance: pours a transparent golden orange color. Minimal head on an aggressive pour and isn't present while drinking. Bright active carbonation which is expected from the style.

Smell: light fruit and a malt extract syrupy sweetness on the nose. Touches of biscuit with lingering undertones of leafy greens. Hard to get past the misplaced syrupy sweetness.

Taste: that sugary malt extract sweetness leads. Bready malt outshines some of the pleasant hop notes that I want to be a little brighter. Odd lingering sweetness lingers on the palate.

Mouthfeel: light body which isn't a detractor. I wouldn't exactly describe it as a crisp finish as the heavier sweetness lingers long after drinking.

Overall: I've really enjoyed the lagers I've had from Church Street but this one is a miss. I know I mentioned it a few times but it was tough to get past that sweet profile which was very similar to the taste many homebrew made with malt extract seem to have. This one certainly won't get me off of Okocim.

 

 

 

Aroma: Slight Lemon, Light Spice, European hops, Light Graham Cracker like malt aroma.

Appearance: Pours Light Gold almost straw with medium foam, decent retention, little bubbles. Brilliantly clear. Light bubbling from bottom of glass.

Flavor: Light graham cracker malt character reminds of a German Lager with quite a noticeable lemon, floral and very light spice character from the hops. Bitterness should be a bit higher for a czech pilsner but I heard this was the first batch and bitterness was a bit lower than expected.

Mouthfeel: Refreshing, sweet and dry finish with some lingering malt and lemony hop flavor. Medium light body.

Overall : A refreshing crisp lager and one of my favorite styles. Quickly becoming another favorite at church street and reminded me of some of the beers I've drank in Germany. I hope i like the next batch just as much.