This coming Saturday we are going to be tasting Pilsner Urquell.  I’m sure more than a few may roll your eyes at the choice (a pilsner lager???) but to be honest, lager and pilsners do not get the respect they deserve in the United States.  Due to the paltry products of many of the big brewers, this style has become the black sheep of the beer family.  As I mentioned earlier this week, Steven Pauwels of Boulevard felt a bit of a cold shoulder from the throats he fills upon releasing to the public a Pilsner as Boulevard’s Collaboration.

At one point in time, such a beer was a delicacy as it required advanced brewing technology to maintain the cool temperatures necessary for lagering.  Regardless, this Czech pilsner is considered top notch by many.  The brewers sure consider it a thing of beauty:

For generations our dedicated, passionate brew masters have ensured that Pilsner Urquell with its distinctive darker shade of gold and snow white head has maintained its uncompromised purity of flavour.

Since 1842 we have used only the purest, most natural ingredients to create a beer of golden opulence. From the soft crystal clear waters, to the superior Bohemian and Moravian barley and noble hops from the Saaz region. Even our yeast has a centuries-old pedigree…

Considering this, it would of course be inconceivable to simply drink our pure golden pilsner. This brewing icon, coveted by the discerning, is a lager to be slowly savoured and relished.

Look…

Catching the light, the clear golden amber colour and creamy head beckons…

Inhale…

Whirl gently to release the floral aroma, raise the glass to your mouth and inhale deeply. Relish for a moment the aromas of fresh baguette, earthy hops and honeysuckle.

Savour…

And now it is time…

Don’t hurry. Drink deeply.

Slightly sweet, somewhat malty, the honey nut flavour sparkles on the tip of your tongue, and slides into your mouth where tart citrus flavours and warm caramel bitterness builds quickly before slipping down your throat full of rich body, thoroughly refreshing…

And … the aftertaste… the sharp, distinct bitterness overlapping with caramelised sweetness lingers and develops on your palate.

Who could resist another tingle tongued deeply gratifying swirl, savour and swallow when the first was so superb?

Pilsner Urquell – the pure pilsner from Pilsen.

Even if you disdain this choice, in the Pavlovian sense, you have to admit at least a bit of intrigue.

Cheers!

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