BOHEMIAN BREWERY: 1842 PILSNER
by Rio Connelly [globalricon@gmail.com]
Online Exclusive / Posted March 22, 2010 More Exclusives | Beer Reviews
1842 Pilsner
Brewer/Brand: Bohemian Brewery
ABV: 4.0%
Availability: On Tap Only
For the Bohemian Brewery to release another pilsner-style lager, on top of those familiar silver and green cans in grocery stores statewide, you know it has to be something special. Everything about this beer is handcrafted in the oldest traditional ways known. For the grain base, Head Brewer Bobby Jackson got his hands on some floor-malted (superior quality) pilsner malt direct from the Czech Republic. Along with the Saaz hops and imported yeast from the Eastern European nation, the ingredients are as authentic as it gets. The method here is classic as well: no modern fancy techniques, just starting from a cold mash and triple-decocting-a long, complicated process of boiling portions of the beer and gradually bringing the temperature up to ensure complete conversion of the grain into fermentable sugar. Brew and lager at cold temperatures, dry hop with even more Saaz hops, and you have a classic Pilsner.
Let's talk about how this all translates into your pint glass. The beer pours a tawny straw color ever-so-slightly darker than the regular pils with a bright white head lingering as you drink it. The flavor is crisp from high carbonation and plenty of hops, but has a smooth and sweet malt base to flesh it out. The strength of the flavor of that special malt really comes through here. The finish is crisp, clean and dry like a pils should be and always leaves you wanting another sip. This stuff is so good, I think Mr. Jackson has a serious shot of winning an award for it the World Beer Cup being held in Chicago, where it will run up against the likes of Pilsner Urquell, the original pils, as well as many other fine German examples. Get your lips around a pint of this quick, before it's all gone. While you're there, check out the Bohemian Brewery's fantastic menu of Czech, Austrian and German classics. My personal favorite pairs the beer with the Pirogies and Bratwurst entree. Enjoy!
Brewer/Brand: Bohemian Brewery
ABV: 4.0%
Availability: On Tap Only
For the Bohemian Brewery to release another pilsner-style lager, on top of those familiar silver and green cans in grocery stores statewide, you know it has to be something special. Everything about this beer is handcrafted in the oldest traditional ways known. For the grain base, Head Brewer Bobby Jackson got his hands on some floor-malted (superior quality) pilsner malt direct from the Czech Republic. Along with the Saaz hops and imported yeast from the Eastern European nation, the ingredients are as authentic as it gets. The method here is classic as well: no modern fancy techniques, just starting from a cold mash and triple-decocting-a long, complicated process of boiling portions of the beer and gradually bringing the temperature up to ensure complete conversion of the grain into fermentable sugar. Brew and lager at cold temperatures, dry hop with even more Saaz hops, and you have a classic Pilsner.
Let's talk about how this all translates into your pint glass. The beer pours a tawny straw color ever-so-slightly darker than the regular pils with a bright white head lingering as you drink it. The flavor is crisp from high carbonation and plenty of hops, but has a smooth and sweet malt base to flesh it out. The strength of the flavor of that special malt really comes through here. The finish is crisp, clean and dry like a pils should be and always leaves you wanting another sip. This stuff is so good, I think Mr. Jackson has a serious shot of winning an award for it the World Beer Cup being held in Chicago, where it will run up against the likes of Pilsner Urquell, the original pils, as well as many other fine German examples. Get your lips around a pint of this quick, before it's all gone. While you're there, check out the Bohemian Brewery's fantastic menu of Czech, Austrian and German classics. My personal favorite pairs the beer with the Pirogies and Bratwurst entree. Enjoy!
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