Overview for the Czech Pilsner

The Czech Pilsner is part of a group of pivo Plzeňského type beers. They’re commonly associated with Pilsner Urquell, which was first brewed in 1842 after construction of a new brewhouse by burghers dissatisfied with the standard of beer brewed in Plzeň. Bavarian brewer Josef Groll is credited with first brewing the beer. Comparatively, the Czech Pilsner has more color, malt richness, and body than a German Pils, with a fuller finish and a cleaner, softer impression. Stronger than a Czech Pale Lager.

Style Expectations

The Czech Pilsener is a rich, characterful, pale lager, with considerable malt and hop character and a long, rounded finish. Complex yet well-balanced and refreshing. The malt flavors are complex for a Pilsner-type beer, and the bitterness is strong but clean and without harshness, which gives a rounded impression that enhances drinkability.

Appearance

Gold to deep gold color. Brilliant to very clear clarity. Dense, long-lasting, creamy white head.

Aroma

Medium to medium-high bready-rich malt and medium-low to medium-high spicy, floral, or herbal hop bouquet; though the balance between the malt and hops may vary, the interplay is rich and complex. Light diacetyl, or very low fruity hop-derived esters are acceptable, but need not be present.

Flavor

Rich, complex, bready maltiness combined with a pronounced yet soft and rounded bitterness and floral and spicy hop flavor. Malt and hop flavors are medium to medium-high, and the malt may contain a slight impression of caramel. Bitterness is prominent but never harsh. The long finish can be balanced towards hops or malt but is never aggressively tilted either way. Light to moderate diacetyl and low hop-derived esters are acceptable, but need not be present.

Mouthfeel

The Czech Pilsner has a moderate body with light to moderate carbonation.

Reviews

Tenaya Creek Craft Pilsner

Czech Pilsner  •  Tenaya Creek Brewery

Tenaya Creek Craft Pilsner is a Czech-style Pilsner by Tenaya Creek Brewery that’s smooth, easy drinking, and nicely balanced between hops and malt. Read More

Samuel Adams Noble Pils

Czech Pilsner  •  Boston Beer Company

Samuel Adams Noble Pils is a Czech-style Pilsner brewed by the Boston Beer Company whose well-balanced palate blends cracker malt with floral and spicy hops. Read More

Praga Premium Pils

Czech Pilsner  •  První Budějovický Pivovar Samson

Praga Premium Pils, a Czech Pilsner by První Budějovický Pivovar Samson blends grassy and peppery hops with veggies and cracker malt. Read More

Cisk Pilsner

Czech Pilsner  •  Simonds Farsons Cisk Plc.

Cisk Pilsner is a Czech-style Pilsener by Simonds Farsons Cisk Plc. that balances soft doughy bread with peppery noble hops. Read More

Ice

Czech Pilsner  •  Modern Times Beer

Ice is a Czech-style Pilsner by Modern Times Beer whose light body, cracker malt, and spicy hops create a thirst quenching experience. Read More

Tiny Bomb

Czech Pilsner  •  Wiseacre Brewing Co.

Tiny Bomb, a Czech-style Pilsner by Wiseacre Brewing Co. is a powerful hop bomb that’s light, refreshing, and easy to drink. Read More

Mama’s Little Yella Pils

Czech Pilsner  •  Oskar Blues Brewery

Mama’s Little Yella Pils is a Czech-style Pilsner by Oskar Blues Brewery that blends spicy, floral, and grassy hops with cracker malt and honey. Read More

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