Favorite Czech Pilsener?

C'mon Berkshire, I can't keep my fingers crossed indefinitely! It results in too many typos!

I had it on cask at Deep Ellum. I'd drink that iteration everyday if I could.

 

Pilsner urquell

Great Lakes the wright pils is also very good American representation of the style. Not overly hopped.

 

Czechvar/Budvar...or whatever they're calling it these days. Fantastic stuff when fresh.

 

Armsby also has the following on tap right now: Koutska 12 ("Czech Pilsner"--Světlý Ležák, 5% ABV) and Mahrs Ungespundet (Franconian Kellerbier, 100% pilsner malt, but unfiltered, 5.2% ABV) and Victory Prima Pils ("German" Pilsner, 5.3% ABV). The Berkshire Czech Pilsner uses Czech floor malted Pilsner malt and is 5.5% ABV. I was thinking about getting some people together (Thursday evening??) to do a tasting of these four. Should make for an interesting comparison.

 

I like Moat Czech Pilsner, myself.

 

Yeah I love that Koutská 12 but I don't love its price. I think it was maybe $11 last time I had it at Armsby? A rough price for something that goes down so easy. Unfortunately the Mahr's U isn't far behind in price.

 

I buy this every chance I get:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/16378/40061/
Heater Allen Pills

 

To perhaps get a bit technical, I think the water makes a big difference, too. The Pilsn water is reputed to be incredibly soft and almost pH neutral, so that necessitated the need to use a triple decoction (including the acid rest) in the development of the style. That darker, richer maltiness is the result of the decoction process, and not deeper roasted grains; plus, the slight lactic counterpoint to the rich malt has a softer quality than a beer with a more minerally water profile.

 

I see this all the time in single green bottles (500ml, I'm guessing?) on display, and pass it up because of the light exposure. If it were from a closed case I'd definitely grab a few.

 

Why would you say that? I haven't had it since last year, but I remember it being more Czech than German. Unless you were referring to something else. But yes, quite delicious.

And as was noted, they're not coming in cans this year (again). Spoke to a brewery rep about it. It has to do with production constraints. But agree, it would be a great addition.

@JackHorzempa, by any chance, have you tried Berkshire Czech Pilsner (they changed the label this year)? Would be curious to know your opinion.

Also, have yet to try Brewmaster Jack Jan, but I'd think it's worth at least exploring.

Wasn't really impressed by Pilsner Urquell in cans. Was fine, but didn't notice any discernible difference. And I had it in a sauna, where cold beer usually always tastes better

 

Berkshire does not distribute in PA. I have not had the pleasure of drinking that beer.

Cheers!

 

I know they don't - too small. I just know you like the style, so thought...

 

Nice deep malt character on that one- I do wish the hops were stronger.

My fave was always Starobrno, for the unmistakable Saaz hop aroma, but it also had a rich maltiness as well. Too bad I haven't seen it in quite some time.

 

Btw, what about ST Eurotrash Pilz? I think I had it a long time ago, but don't remember any details.

Peak Organic Fresh Cut is listed as Czech here... I thought it was closer to German due to its "thinner", if you will, malt profile, dryness and hoppiness. But I liked it.

 

Yeah I would agree. I just feel like it drinks both a bit sweeter and a touch hoppier than other czech pilsners I've had, but not substantially so. I'm just inclined to immediately think of xyz Berkshire beer as "not typical" because many of their beers run sweeter than other brewers' take on the same style.

As for those cans....oh well. At least their bombers are relatively affordable.

 

Actually, Mahr's Ungespundet isn't 100% pilsner malt, rather a mix of approximately 70% pilsner and 30% Munich malts.

 

Pilsner Urquell

 

Lagunitas PILS is my highest rated Czech Pilsener on BA.

 

In addition to what has been said:
Czech Pils usually has low sulfate water that results in a bitterness that fades quickly, while most German beers have sulfate in the water that gives a dry and lingering bitterness.
There is a difference in the yeast characteristics. The Czech Brewers use lager yeast that are classified as Saazer yeasts, that will ferment even colder. The Germans use mainly Frohberg strains which are happy around 50F.