My local WF's started stocking FW Pivo several months ago. SN Pils showed up last week. Trumer Pils and Moonlight's Reality Czech have been available at the same store for years. Local craft pilsner fans have never had it this good.
I've been tracking this release for a while and the cans finally made their way to Illinois. Picked up an 8-pack for $9.99. Overall, this is very good and I kind of like the smaller cans. But based on all the marketing and positioning, I thought it would taste more like an old-country Pilsner Urquell clone, but this is definitely a New World hoppy lager.
A "traditional pils", like the 42 IBU Pilsner Urquell? SN Pils is 25 IBUs, what a lot of American and European beers were a few decades ago.
Agreed. Was puzzled by the response. I’ve had some pils in the PNW that were arguably very over hopped, but the SN pils didn't hit me that way. The finish was mildly hoppy, but no more than that.
25 IBU is on the low end for a European Pilsner. The normal range is something like 22-45 IBU, so definitely not too hoppy.
Sipping on it now and I really like it. Hope it does well and sticks around, this will certainly keep a spot in my fridge!
Didnt expect to see it and wasnt looking looking for it but I randomly came across it so I bought it. Not sure about the format (8 8.4 oz cans) but it was fine for what it is. The format is whats throwing me off because Im so used to 4 packs or 6 packs or 12 packs so the 8 pack less than 12 oz can format is not something Im used to or think that I like even at $11.49 which was what it cost.
I'm not a fan of the format either. Not for a 4.7% abv beer. I've been able to order it on tap in PDX, so I've had it by the pint. That's the format I generally prefer in a glass of pils. More than likely I won't be buying this in the 8 pack format.
Of course. I think the problem might be that you origonally stated the beer was way too hoppy, not that you personally found it to be way too hoppy. The latter is all that matters... for you. Making a general observation that the beer is way too hoppy, I think it reasonable that subsequent posters might point out the IBU level, which is in a range where many consumers might find the hoppiness level not the least bit off putting.
The beer is very good and to Ken's point, it does drink nicely from the 8.4 oz and stays crisp and cool in such a small quantity. I'd prefer that it would be sold in 12 oz bottles but that's just me. I'd buy it even if it were in a 16 oz stange can! Ha!
For those BAs who have tasted both Summerfest and this new Pilsner product from Sierra Nevada, how would you compare/contrast these two beer? Is Sierra Nevada Pils fairly similar to Summerfest? If not, what distinguishes these two products? Also, do you think these small cans are a 'winning' strategy or is this format more like a 'one and done' in terms of your purchasing habit? Cheers!
I think Summerfest was more of a "true" pilsner closer to the Old World pilsners I'd expect. It's crisp and clean with a moderate hop bite. To me, Pils, was hoppier than expected and was more akin to a New World American Hoppy Lager. It was still enjoyable, but my expectations were skewed. I'd pick Summerfest between the two. I actually enjoyed the 8oz cans. Easier to moderate and have a drink on a weekday. I think per ounce cost was similar, so I didn't feel ripped off. So I may buy this format again if I see it.
