Pilsner Hate

It's the sweetening of the palate across the food/beverage industry, happening throughout the western world but arguably pioneered by the US in the last 70 years. An ability to only appreciate simple flavors like sweet is a defining characteristic of children's palates. There has been a marked increase in just the decade I've cared about the beer I drink in the availability of extremely sweet beers. The two trendiest styles of late (neipa and pastry stouts) both tend to focus on very sweet flavors. Obviously a well made neipa brings significantly more nuance but there are tons of them that seem to be striving to emulate something you might have gotten out of a juice box after nap time. As for pastry stouts my experience is limited because the goal seems to be dessert sweet and the few examples I've tried confirm that, not to mention the style name, and I really don't ever want to drink 22 ozs of liquid macaroon.
This is what people are talking about with new beer flavors favoring a childish palate. It's part of the same phenomenon that gets us sugar in tortilla chips.
Enjoying sweet flavors doesn't mean you have a childish palate. Only enjoying sweet flavors does. And having a childish palate is only a bad thing if you think it's of some great value to enjoy the full spectrum of potential flavors available to us.
But it does seem like a relevant observation when trying to discern why Americans aren't too keen on beer styles like pilsner

 

Well, perhaps you don't think telling someone they have a childish palate is insulting and snobbish. We'll have to agree to disagree.

 

Because they are not Miller Lite!?!

 

A

75 yard walk back to the beach house.

 

I agree with that, if you're trying to denigrate or shame the person. I do think it's fair to say that the American beer market has, to some extent, begun catering to a childish palate

Edit to add that the beer industry catering to a more childish palate (maybe less developed palate is a less derogatory sounding term?) seems like a reasonable guess as far as one factor that could lead to people being less interested in styles like pilsner

 

I always kinda find it interesting when ppl can’t accept others don’t share their exact same taste in beer.

If you’re curious about the beers I like look at my profile, pretty simple.

 

You need to reread my friend, there’s no judgement here, drink what you like I was just curious about what you like based on your post. I’ll pass on checking out your stats and list though.

 

I think it’s pretty clear I’m not a Pils fan. No rereading needed. Just be comfortable with the fact some ppl don’t agree with you.

 

I accepted it the first time around.

 

I would like to put forward an idea to entertain: Pilsner is not the best demonstration of what a lager can be.

Then again, I am biased towards Dunkel and Vienna Lager, even Baltic Porter.

 

Around here, all the best brewers are spending more and more time on Pilsners, Helles lagers etc.
It is easier and easier to find them. One of my favourite places has 2 light Czech lagers, 1 dark Czech lager and 2 unfiltered versions available at the moment, along with a Dortmunder and an Alt.

A good Pilsner gets easier and easier to find by the week. I’m guessing they must be selling quite well.

 

Is this draft? Which Alt?

Cheers!

 

Godspeed brewing (Bim Lafontaine’s Toronto brewery, the former Dieu de Ciel! brewer).

The unfiltered versions are on draft. The other three are draft and cans.

Her is a link to the bottle shop page of the brewery. You can read the descriptions.


https://godspeedbrewery.com/beers-on-tap

I think the Alt is still up on the beers to go page.

Cheers.

 

That is an interesting list of beers.

I take it you are a fan of their beers?

Cheers!

 

I love the beer and the place. His smoked beers are fantastic if you like that.

They also have a small and interesting Japanese menu that is excellent.

My second favourite brewery in the city at the moment.

 

Last August while in Bamberg, the Disneyland of lagers, a friend and I drank more Keesmann Herren Pils than anything else. Had the full range of available lagers while there. In the end we poured more Herren Pils and Schlenkerla Märzen down our necks by a Longshot

 

Sounds awesome!

Thanks for sharing that information.

Cheers!

 

Admittedly not a fan of Pilsners or lagers. Hot days generally get an APA if I have some fresh selection. I like sessions but few good options are available in the PNW.

I will say that R & R by Reuben's Brews is a mighty fine and hoppy pils that I will drink whenever I find it,... but maybe it's awful to those who love the style.

 

I've never been a fan of lager or pils to be honest. My 'beer' growth experience is from Michigan with the likes of Bells and Founders. Raised with the likes of Oberon, Two Hearted and KBS.

Clean session IPAs with a hint of bite are just fine during the summer for me. I've never really wanted to drink 'beer' all day during the heat, its just filling and I would rather have water.

With all that in mind, lagers and pilsners have no place in my beer partaking experience. I am quite fine with one nice beer, like a glass of wine or a cocktail, I don't need a gallon of it to have a good time.

I think a lot of Americans mostly think of lagers and pilsners styles as 'macro', and stay as far away from it as possible. I want new and unique flavors, and something I will have in small quantities.

The great thing about beer though, is there are people everywhere making styles for everyone. If you dont like one style, there is likely another brewery making a style that you enjoy.

Even better, if people dont make the styles you enjoy, you can always brew your own.

 

Nice, thanks for sharing. Ipas and such weren't available in the late 70s where I grew up , and everyone drank a macro of some persuasion. If you were had a few extra bucks you might buy a Heineken or Lowebrau, Michelob. I had trouble drinking Sam Adams when it first hit the market because it was so “bitter. There’s no way at that time I was jumping from Rolling Rock to something like a Two Hearted Ale back in the day, but I did pick around with Pete’s Wicked Ale every now and then.