Imperial Pilsners

Just had my antonia by dog fish head. Amazing

 

Humulus Lager ftw.

 

Blue Mountain über Pils is the only "imperial" pilsner I've had, and while it wasn't a bad beer, not something I particularly enjoyed. If you are into the style, you may get more out of it than I did.

 

The first imperial pils I ever had was the first time Boulevard did this: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/423/55382

It was a collaboration between Boulevard's Steven Pauwels and the at-the-time master brewer over at Orval, Jean-Marie Rock. Ever since, I've been searching for an imperial pils that speaks to me the way that one did. As some others have said, in amping up the style they imparted a sweetness that I don't typically associate with pilsners, but it worked and made it feel like a hybrid of German, Belgian and American brewing styles.

I think Reverb was inspired by Collaboration #1, as they didn't begin brewing it until after the Collaboration release in 2009. So that would be my first recommendation.

Small Craft Warning (Uber Pils) by Heavy Seas Beer is pretty good, and cheap.

Odell's Imperial Pilsner is great as well, and should be hitting shelves in areas where Odell is distributed right about now.

And Mother's has Uber Pils, which i have yet to try, but is sitting in my fridge.

 

This is my favourite Imperiial Pilsner:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/428/2413

 

Evil Power is pretty damn good.

 

Jack?

 

Oh well. Sorry Steve.

 

My favorite Imperial Pilsner was Sam Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner. I really, really wish they would make that beer again!!!!!!



And my name is Jack.

Cheers!

 

Abita SOS. Although listed as a German Pilsener here on BA, it is 7.0%

Excellent price, good cause, great pils.. I've bought many.

 

The one you seek out is Odell's Double Pilsner. The first example of the style I tried, also was the best. Very traditional pilsner flavor profile, albeit turned to 11.

 

I think the official/unofficial break point between a "standard" beer and an Imperial is 7.5%, but what's a half percent of ABV between friends? A 7% pils is close enough for me.

 

Theyre in mass. I bought a mixed 12 pack. The ipa and imperial pilsner were both solid.

 

Morimoto is quite good. A bit pricey at $18, but worth it for a treat, if only, as some believe, an oxymoronic one.

 

I agree with you, but judging by BA's own standard, SOS should be imperialized..

American Double / Imperial Pilsner:
Average alcohol by volume (abv) range: 6.5-9.0%
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/164

 

Stevens Point Whole Hog is solid:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/786/49602

 

You might try checking this list: http://beeradvocate.com/lists/style/164

 

What's next to imperilize PA's?

To make a big Pils you need to malt it up and then it's too sweet IMO, add more hops to balance the malt and you just made kind of an IPA. I guess you can't cool up a PA because you'll just make a different DIPA. Leave the Pils and PA's alone, and twist the hell out of hop concoctions in the IPA/DIPA family it's a perfect match to experiment with.

But I agree to each their own, drink what you like, but IMO the style is simple, subtle and perfect as it has been for a long time. Sunshine Pils is great as it it, it doesn't need to be a 9% abv monster in a can.

 

I'm looking forward to trying an Imperial Near Beer.

 

I didn't really care for My Antonia or Odell's Double Pilsner. I did really enjoy Grand Teton Persephone and the Boulevard/Orval collab Imperial Pilsner, but I think they're both retired.