Let's talk Pilsners

If Roger Protz wrote it, it's worth double checking.But lining wood with pitch has always been common in continental Europe.
Worth a look;
http://desdemoor.co.uk/pilsner-urquell-an-old-czech-fairy-tale/

 

Bit funny, and you may not know this cultural phenomenon, but Elephant Ears are a staple food at U.S. carnivals, state and county fairs, and amusement parks… but I'm sure they're not the same food you're talking about.

(basically a flat doughnut)

 

The Tower/Coast Guard House would make a legendary brewpub.

 

Michael Jackson also wrote of Pilsner Urquell's pitched wooden vessels:

Snip from above:

Many major changes (so-called "modernization") to the brewery and the brewing process date from end of state ownership and subsequent privatization, and pre-date 1999's SAB's purchase of Pilsner Urquell.

I always recall an interview with a PU brewmaster I read back in the '70s or '80s* which went something like (paraphrasing):

"We study every new brewing technology for years before we reject it."

* Back when their crowns was still lined with real cork with an aluminum foil disc when every other beer has switched to plastic lined caps.

 

Yes, we have something like that too, I'd forgotten about it.A sort of round eclair thing.

 

The Beerhunter series had a scene in the cooperage at PU where they had heated a lagering barrel with steam, and had it so the bung was down and pitch was running out. If anyone doubts the use of pitch, they should see if they can find that on YouTube.

 

There was a Swedish documentary aired last year about a guy travelling around the classic beer nations of Europe and in the episode on the Czech republic he sat in on a taste testing/quality control session by old PU brewmasters at the brewery. A bunch of old guys, pensioners basically, and they were supposed to check whether the beer tasted the way it did in the past. One of the old men is caught on tape saying that it tastes like water, while talking with the guy sitting next to him and he looks very displeased, but at the end of the meeting the guy who's in charge says something to the effect of "we all agree then that it tastes the same", he also says that any percieved differences in taste might be the result of the smaller glasses they are using for the tasting compared to what they are used to in the pub.

I thought it was pretty interesting, even if it was an off-hand comment by one old, possibly grumpy guy .

 

They fermented with 5 yeast strains, separately, then blended. They then went to 2 strains, and now are said to only use the "D" strain, correction, it is the "H" strain. Anyone care to say that will not have an impact on the beer's complexity?

 

If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on someone who has never been there -- either pre- or post-1994/99 -- as the person most likely to take issue with that fact.

 

Whatever gave you that bizarre idea ?

 

A good read.
http://morebeer.com/brewingtechniques/library/backissues/issue5.3/urquell.html

 

I get your point and the article but since other, regional beers I've also commonly drank since those times have not changed their taste I would beg to differ.

 

I love that attitude I just wish they had stayed with it

 

Cigar City Brewing Patio Pils is my favorite

 

In addition to the reduction of strains, I would also include open vs. closed fermentation vessels and their shape would as having an effect on taste/complexity.

 

Schell's Fresh Hop with Mosaic hops.

 

Wow! A fresh hopped Pilsner using Mosaic hops; that sounds awesome!

Below is a description:

“This year’s Fresh Hop beer will be a pilsner that is single hopped with the new and exciting Mosaic hop variety. This hop gives off an abundant mix of flavors and aromas to the beer, hence the name Mosaic. Its characteristics are found to be floral, tropical, fruity, earthy and sweet. It can contribute notes of blueberry, mango, lemon, lime, other citrus, pine, fruit punch, herbs, spice, stone fruit, mint, bubblegum and black pepper.”

I wish that Schell’s was distributed in my area. I would have loved to have tried that beer!

Cheers to Schell’s Brewery!

 

Wow. What a mature, thoughtful way to end an argument (I hope). Thanks to you, I got something useful out of this rancorous debate. Cheers.

 

You might want to try-
"Sunshine Pils" by Troegs
"Pils" by Laguanitas

 

Easily, as has been oft referenced...


Prima Pils


Pivo Pils