Last November I found one I did like - Steam Whistle from Toronto. Having said I liked it, I still haven't bought another six since then. Then, as I sadly but honestly reported, I found I had bought a bottle of North Coast's Scrimshaw Pilsner. And I knew sadness again as I suspected I would not like this brew. I was wrong again. It poured lightly reddened straw with a white rim. Compared to the Steam Whistle, it has a sweeter corny note at the outset and then resolved into a grainy and dry grassiness but also minerally like dry riesling - steely and stoney hops. If there was a yeastiness it was the thinnest milk. Even at only 4.4%, the beer has a good balanced body. Here is what the brewery says about the beer and here's what the BAers say.
My trouble, however, even when now presented with two quality pilsners in a continent awash with poor corn sugar stuffed fakers, is that I just can't imagine when I am supposed to crave steely stoney dry grassiness? It is not quite thin astringency but it may be its second cousin. I suppose I am only left with the knowledge that it is ok, that I don't have to like everything. So - do you like pilsners?
Comments
Donavan Hall - June 4, 2006 12:22 AM
A quick census of my beer cellar won't bare out the fact that I think I like pilsners, but I've always thought I did. I don't associate pilsner with American light lager at all. I had a number of very good pilsners on my beer tour through Pennsylvania back in March. Those Pennsylvanians know how to make good pilsner. I have one pilsner from Stoudt's, maybe I'll crack it open and do some tasting notes, but not tonight. I just had a glass of Rodenbach and want to savor that memory a little longer.
Knut - June 4, 2006 6:56 AM
There are splendid pilseners, but they are few and far between. The ones I like are usually from Germany. While here in Norway, there are probably a hundred pilensers available, but they are generally crap.
Evghenis - June 5, 2006 1:06 AM
Steamwhistle is the best of the Canadian pilseners I've tried, but there's tons of great Central European pilseners, particularly Czech. Kozel being the best I've had.
Joe - June 5, 2006 1:58 AM
I know it's odd to hear me touting Victory, but their Prima Pils is fantastic. If you find it, try it, or at least ship it to me.
Donavan Hall - June 5, 2006 2:45 PM
Alan's question inspired me to do some research. So yesterday, I went to one of my local tap joints and ordered a Brooklyn Pilsener and damn if it wasn't so good I had two. I usually order the Brooklyn Brown Ale, but you might see me drink straw colored lager more often from now on. Garrett Oliver knows what he's doing it seems.
Alan - June 5, 2006 3:42 PM
That is one of his I have never had - so next time I am south, will try to remember get it and do a side by side with Steam Whistle.
Knut - June 8, 2006 6:21 AM
Luckily I have a Brooklyn Pilsener in the fridge. Carslberg distributes them in Denmark, so I picked up a bottle on my last visit.
Michele Pridgen - June 24, 2006 11:47 PM
Last April, I had the pleasure of experincing Steam Whistle, while I was in Canada for Business. I found it to be very smooth and easy to swallow. However, I also stumbled upon Robert Simpson, a local brew, that I found to be very refreshing and perfectly blended! -Full bodied,definitely! One Problem, I cannot get into the United States! UGH!
bill - June 13, 2008 11:39 PM
pilsner is my favorite tasting beer, light, refreshing, tasty