Pilsners!

Koenig is really underrated and too often forgotten about. I remember the first time I had it over dinner once in Weisbaden and it truly was majestic.

 

Thread Resurrection:
In my search for different and good Pilsners, I happened on Southern Tier's Eurotrash Pils, my first beer from the brewery.

While labeling it with a rather offensive title, it's a pretty good take (American-wise) on a Pilsener-style beer. It gives SN's Summerfest a good run for the money.

 

Sadly Summerfest's Pilsner-ness loses a lot its luster when it warms up some At first I thought it might be using some unusual hops that were starting to push through (Perle?), but eventually I realized that the familiar flavor was coming from American Pale 2-row *double-frown*. A quick check of SN's website confirmed this. The clean yeast and late Saaz hopping still make this a good hot-weather beer, but I will not lie - I was a bit disappointed...I shouldn't put so much in the stock of American lagers *triple-frowny-sad-face*.

 

While I can understand where you're coming from, and agree that the SN Summerfest doesn't have that same malt character as so many German Pilsners (or other lagers), there is something so satisfyingly crisp and refreshing -- and clean in character to the Summerfest that makes it very good to me. Better than many attempts at the style that are so often lauded.

To the malt bill, don't forget that there is Munich too, and I think that touch of sweetness, along with the spiciness of the Saaz, gives the SN a character that is unique among American lagers.

 

Oh, I agree with pretty much everything you said. I guess I just felt a little bit let down because of what I thought was a more unique character. It really does have that crispness to it, especially right after it's poured. It's only around 50+ degrees or so that I begin to notice a difference. Still a decent beer, and as you said better than most Americanized attempts that use Pilsner malt.

In fact, I have to admit that the Pale malt character was not completely evident to me until I tried it side-by-side with Spaten Lager

 

Couldn't stand my one try of Summerfest, sorry, though I love Kellerweis, and more to that point, anyone have any recommendations beyond the Sly Fox for some other "keller pils", i.e. unfiltered pils? I really like the added complexity - Veldensteiner Pils comes to mind. I did have one from River Horse that did little for me, but I do think there's something to the style, much in the manner of real ale.

 

Moonlight Reality Czeck is on tap at my place. Couldn't think of a better pils to have...

 

Troegs Sunshine Pils and SN Summerfest were my go-to's last year, we will see what this year brings... I wish Victory Brewpub was located closer to me, I love all the Pilsners they offer

 

Been Lov'in

Stoudts Pils
Summerfest
Blue Paddle

We just got Noble Pils in TN and I'm getting into that also. Wish we had fresh Prima Pils but it is usually out of date.

 

Noble Pils is kinda average, ok nothing earth shaking.

 

My fav pilsner. Hasn't been around for a while
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/38591

 

Heater Allen Pils for me.

 

Ah, the (now) infamous Spaten side-by-side test. Gets those American Pale Lagers every time!

 

Yep, I fell prey to the side-by-side!

 

A fellow Pittsburgher, you gotta try Troegs Sunshine Pils.

 

Although they still say July/Aug in the description on the website, this year's model is in fact out now (which is also acknowledged on the site). It's not my favorite style in general, but I still try it a few times a season and if you've liked it before you'll like it this year, too - light and refreshing! (And FWIW the Maibock is too sweet for me, too. I much preferred Jack's Abby Hurts Like Helles in that style this year).

 

Foam Pilsner

 

What a shame that Pilsner Urquell would not even be a consideration here. I blame the green bottles and the propensity for skunky flavors, but the fresh version (as in the Czech Republic) is quite good.

 

I assume this is tap only?