Pilsner Beer Buying Guide
A
pilsner is a pale
lager beer also known as pilseners or pils. Pilsners are different from other lagers in a few ways. The barley is only lightly heated, instead of roasted, and generous portions of fragrant hops are added to give it a special zing. Finally, the brew is fermented in a cool place, not in a refrigerated environment. These processes give pilsners the aromatic, dry taste that distinguishes them from other lagers.
History
In mid 19th century Bohemia, beers were topfermenting yeast to create lagers. Joseph Groll, the brewmaster at Citizens Brewery, tried another experimental technique by using light barley that was barely malted, instead of roasted like the other German brewers. He presented the first batch of pilsner beer in October of 1842. It was an extremely clear, golden colored beer with a dense head of foam, drier in character than their customary brew. The new, refreshing beer not only took Germany by storm, but became a sensation in Europe. Breweries creating the clear, golden beer have since proliferated around the world, and pilsner beers are extremely popular worldwide. Since they are mild compared to ales, pilsners appeal to the masses. Today, pilsners are still the marquee beer of Germany, and the main beverage of
Oktoberfest.
Pilsner by Region
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Czech Pilsner: Deeper in color and malt than German pils.
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German Pilsner: Light in color and body.
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American Pilsner: Derived mainly from Czech pilsner, it has a muted hoppiness.
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Dutch Pilsner: Very sweet tasting, such as
Amstel and
Heineken.
*
Stella Artois.
German Favorites
Other Popular Varieties
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