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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

All The World's a Stage for Lagers

All the World's a Stage for Lagers

Pilsner

Pilsner styles of beer originate from Bohemia in the Czech Republic. They are medium- to medium-full bodied and are characterized by high carbonation and tangy Czech varieties of hops that impart floral aromas and a crisp, bitter finish. The hallmark of a fresh pilsner is the dense, white head. The alcohol levels must be such as to give a rounded mouthfeel, typically around 5 percent ABV. Classic pilsners are thoroughly refreshing, but they are delicate and must be fresh to show their best. Few beers are as disappointing to the beer lover as a stale pilsner. German pilsner styles are similar, though often slightly lighter in body and color. Great pilsners are technically difficult to make and relatively expensive to produce.

Pilsners are one of the latest styles to be “imperialized”: with characteristics, generally alcohol and hops, bumped up sufficiently to constitute a new style but with a familiar profile. These new imperial pilsners may sacrifice pilsner’s famed delicacy, but they retain the floral aromas and dry, bitter finish of their progenitor style.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

92 The Master, Asahi (Japan). 5.5% ABV (11/09)
Gold. Toasty, fresh baked cracker and roasted corn aromas follow through on a round entry to a foamy, dry, medium body with nice mild earthy, grassy hops and excellent balance and smoothness. Finishes with a long, caramelized grain and Asian pear-accented fade. Very tasty and food-friendly, particularly with spicy Asian curries.

92 Pilsner, Wurzburger Hofbrau (Germany). 4.9% ABV (10/07)
Pure golden color with a frothy head. Wet nut, pizza dough, faint lemon and clay aromas follow through to a dryish medium body with a crisp round, lemon rind and earthy hop fade. Superb balance and drinkability that effortlessly glides across the palate.

92 Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Oskar Blues Brewery (CO). 5.3% ABV (11/09)
Deep golden color. Honeyed baguette and apricot skin aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with great depth and balance. Finishes in a crisp, citrus on toast fade with earthy hops lingering. Delicious and very Czech-like with a fruity twist.

92 Capital Pilsner, Capital Brewery (WI). 4.7% ABV (11/09)
Golden yellow color. Tangy dried peach and lemon and bread dough aromas follow through on a soft, crisp entry to a dry, light-to-medium body with seamless balance and subtle depth of flavor. Finishes with hints of grassy earth and bread. A very true to style pilsner with effortless drinkability.

91 Premium Lager, Kingfisher Brewing Company (NY). 4.9% ABV (11/09)
Deep old gold color. Aromas of roasted parsnip, hay and crackers follow through on round, plush entry to dry, medium body with a nice rye toast note. Finishes with a lightly creamy and refreshing, vegetable and earth fade. A nicely styled food beer.

91 Hometown Blonde, New Glarus Brewing Co. (WI). 5.15% ABV (10/07)
Golden amber color. Honey, orange cranberry bread dough and dusty nut aromas. A smooth, delicately frothy entry leads to a dryish medium body of sweet nut bread and lemon cake flavors with a tangy orange marmalade and earthy hop fade. A tasty and highly drinkable pilsner.

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