Pilsener (AKA pilsner) has become one of the most popular varieties of beer in the world during its relatively short lifespan. This pale lager, created in mid 19th Century Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), exhibits a light yellow to gold color and noble hops. Using bottom-fermenting yeast helped the beer become clearer and last longer, making it easier to transport and therefore increasing its popularity.
Today we're going to discuss a couple of pilseners produced by two popular breweries that have chosen to participate in the 2007 Buffalo Brewfest: Victory and Brooklyn. Both are quality breweries that I have spoken about at length before. Even so, both produce a quality pilsener that is worthy of note.
Victory's Prima Pils is a classic light pilsener featuring strong noble hops and a crisp and spicy finish. The hop character is certainly one of the strong suits of the lager, and Victory knows it; they adorn the label with a picture of a hop flower. Don't be intimidated by it if you normally shy away from “hoppy” beers, because Prima Pils has very low bitterness and is quite easy to drink. This beer is highly decorated, having won the title of “Grand Champion Pilsner” at the United States Beer Tasting Championships every year from 2002-2005. For as much as I enjoyed this beer, I would imagine it is that much better fresh from the tap.
Brooklyn Pilsner features a little less of the floral hop aroma and flavor that makes Prima Pils so intriguing. Taking its place is more of a bready malt taste that, while noticeable, is certainly not overwhelming. It is a well-balanced beer that, like Prima Pils, should appeal to a wide range of people. Although (after tasting one bottle of each) I prefer Victory's pilsener, I will buy both again in the future.
Many of the beers I review in these articles are interesting concoctions or feature fancy names or artwork, and are fun to try once in a while to experience something new. These two beers don't fall into that category. They are refreshing takes--on a popular style--which is often done wrong.
Hopefully, we'll get to sample them fresh at the Brewfest! There's only one way to find out...