Let's Give Lagers Some Love (2025)

I discussed Sierra Nevada Pils in this weekends NBW thread:

A New (and improved?) Pilsner

The new Pilsner from Sierra Nevada has arrived to my area. This new beer drew a fair bit of interest last spring in the thread entitled Sierra Nevada Pils:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/sierra-nevada-pils.680449/

This beer comes in a small can (8.4 ounces) and on the back of the can is a interesting story courtesy of Brian Grossman (Chief Brewer):

“I've enjoyed beers all over the world, but there's something special about a proper Pilsner at a European pub. Crisp, refreshing, and served in a smaller glass to keep it at the ideal temperature and flavor—it's how Pils is meant to be enjoyed.”

During my two-week beercation in the Czech Republic a few years ago I had the pleasure of drinking a number of Czech Pilsners at a variety of venues (e.g., pubs, breweries, restaurants,…) and the ‘standard’ serving size there was ½ liter (16.9 ounces) mugs which is essentially two of these small cans. Below is a photo of one of those mugs at the brewery Únětický Pivovar:



I have yet to have the pleasure to drink German Pilsners in Germany but from all of my readings the ‘standard’ serving size is:

“Serving Sizes:

Common sizes for these glasses are 300 ml (11 US fl oz) or 400 ml (14 US fl oz).”

So, where did Brian come up with notion of an 8.4 ounce serving size? It would seem that perhaps it comes from Belgium; and kudos to @AZgman for posting about this in the above linked thread. I also found:

"In Belgium, you often order them in these little 25 cL glasses and knock them back like water. They are a counterpoint to the incredible local ales, which demand your attention."

https://www.beervanablog.com/beervana/2022/12/23/the-next-big-lager-belgian-pils

Nothing against the Belgians but when it comes to the concept of “a proper Pilsner at a European pub” my personal first thought is the Czech Republic with Germany a second option. I had the pleasure of enjoying Belgian beers during a business trip to Brussels and I ‘discovered’ Duvel then.

Below is how Sierra Nevada is detailed on BA:

“Bright citrus and tangerine aromas rise from the glass, balanced with a subtle touch of sweet malt.

Old world brewing meets craft innovation. Bringing together the craftsmanship of European brewing with distinctive American flavor.

Malt: PILSNER

Hops: SAPHIR & CRYSTAL LUPULIN

Yeast: LAGER”

Let’s see how “old world brewing meets craft innovation” taste like:

Served in my Polish Pilsner glass:

Appearance:

Straw yellow in color with a white head (which dissipates fairly quickly).

Aroma:

A vibrant and intriguing aroma. Mostly citrus (orange-like) but also a hint of floral and subdued bready Pilsner Malt.

Taste:

The flavor sorta follows the nose but more subdued in nature comparatively speaking. There is a low- moderate bitterness.

Mouthfeel:

Light - Medium bodied with a medium carbonation level. There is a dry finish.

Overall:

Overall this Pilsner is pretty good. The highlight of this beer for me was its aroma.

Cheers!

P.S. I am not a fan of the small can format. If I ever see this brand in the six-pack/12 ounce format I would consider buying it again.

@KOP_Beer_OUtlet @rotsaruch @RobH

 

Suarez's Cabana +Qualify Pils - both are great, clean tasting, excellent nuanced flavors

 

Suarez - Black Lager - easy, light drinking.. super flavorful for abv:

 

Thnx! I was at the Berkeley brewery in August. Love drinking from it.. I've found the large volume allows me to better rate/judge a beer.

 

Dovetail- Vienna Lager

I’ve had some bad luck with some of their cans (Festweizen being flat), but always excellent on tap.

 

Yes. And last years as well. I’ll try it again if I can find it on tap, otherwise it’s a pass.

 

So thrilled to finally find some Goldfinger at Peoria Binny’s. They only have the Orginal Lager but hoping Pils and Mexican Lager are soon to follow. Cheers!!

 

Cross Post with the WSABAYDN thread

Legion Brewing - Oaktoberfest Marzen



Really nice beer! Sweet and bready, with caramel, toffee, toasted malts, vanilla, and hints of spicy hops. Medium bodied, and moderately carbonated.

 

Weihenstephan / St. Bernardus - Kombine 2025 (Unfiltered Helles)

 

A terrific pic and beer!

 

I always give lagers some love.

I always forget this thread exists.

Hands down my fave dark lager, and top-5 beer all-time for me.

• Karlův 13° Černé Pivo | Schilling Beer Co.

This year's batch is fresh and phenomenal as always.

 

@steveh … FTFY