Show 36: The Case for Pilsners
Prebeer Preamble: There are many *ahem* unpleasant associations with the word “pilsner” in the Beerniverse. Perhaps this is because it’s the little beer that grew up to conquer the world, and many of us were deeply scarred by its watery tyrany during our formative years. Nonetheless, rumor has it that there was actually a decent beer in there before global economic pressures for mass-production took their ugly toll. Today, I’m joined by Farpoint Media personae Michael R. Mennenga, Doug Kress, Brian Brown and Tim Adamec as we try a couple of pilsners brewed the way the beer gods intended.
Beer #1: We start off with Scrimshaw Pilsner from California’s North Coast Brewing Company. The tasting crew fears no yellow fizz as we plunge into this straw-colored brew. The style is designed to be light and refreshing, but the pungent nose spurs one co-drinker to make some rather un-refreshing comparisons…
Interbeer Interlude: Microbrewed “Old Dominion, Part 2″ Podcast novelists and beer-loving bon vivants Tee Morris and Phil Rossi are back to wrap up their evening at the brewpub where it all started. Much ale-talk brings a balance to this lager-heavy episode, and yes, Tee, you told the story correctly. Pretty much.
Beer #2: Next up is Blue Paddle Pilsner, a product of craft megabrewer New Belgium Brewing Company. From a brewer that’s taking over the country one Fat Tire at a time comes this uncharacteristically non-belgian brew that’s a lager to boot. Does being the odd one out in the New Belgian stable help or hurt this Czech-style beer?
Beer Geek Moment: “Lagers” Admit it, some of you out there don’t know (or worse, don’t care about) the difference between ales and lagers. Well, tough. I happen to think it’s the cornerstone of Beer Geekiness, so I’m giving it to you again, this time with some history…
Postbeer Postscript: The great “pilsner-off” winds up where things often do on this show: in the numbers. We try to be concise as we split hairs between shades of gold and ponder all things crisp. Does the “Thing That Pilsners Became” haunt our evaluation of these two all-malt micros? Tune in and see!
September 25th, 2007 at 5:48 am
Hey, Charlie-
Interesting show — sorry, I’m late in catching up. I have an additional question for you guys about these beers. My fear of the Pilsner style is doubly-reinforced, because not only don’t I care for Pabst Michweiser, I also really don’t care for the other famous, non-megaswill Pilsner brand I’ve tried, Pilsner Urquell (ably discussed in an early SoB episode).
In your discussion this time around, none of you mentioned the skunky overtones I always get from Urquell (and I don’t think I’m alone, there). Am I safe in guessing that these avoid that problem? If so, I’d be interested in checking them out. If they’ve got the skunky notes, tho, I’ll have to pass.
September 25th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Wiz,
The Scrimshaw had a bit of that pungent earthy thing that you might experience as skunkiness–which someone likened to “vomit”–though I’d argue that it’s at an “appropriate” level (which, of course, doesn’t mean you have to like it). The Blue Paddle lacked that entirely and so would probably be the one of this pair I’d recommend you try.
September 27th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Great episode. One minor quibble. You make it sounds as if everyone has a dislike of Pilsner beers. That really isn’t true: it’s mostly an American phenomenon from what I’ve seen.
September 27th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Among beer geeks/snobs, it is pretty fashionable to lump pilsners in with megaswill, and bash on them accordingly. You’re right, that’s not “everyone”, but its definitely a “common” sentiment of those I’ve spoken with who are, by and large, American. That’s all.
Glad you liked the show!
September 27th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I guess what I’m really wondering is if a beer snob from Germany would disdain Pilsners; or one from the U.K. or other countries. I honestly don’t know. I do know from my travels that people in other countries enjoy Pilsners as well as other beers.
Anyway, I’m not a big fan of Pilsners myself, but from your prompting, I did go out and get some Blue Paddle. It’s been a pleasant surprise and I’m drinking one as I write this. So, thanks!