By: C.G. Morelli
The same people who gave us Miller Genuine Draft and Mickey’s Malt Liquor, also bring us this often-lauded Czech beer. That’s right, Pilsner Urquell is a spawn of the SAB Miller Empire, and although it may not actually reign supreme over all Czech beers, it certainly seems to be the most widely distributed.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I think Pilsner Urquell is a great beer. If you offered me a bottle right now, I’d be hard-pressed to turn you down. Ok, so the fact is I’d probably gnaw my own arm off before refusing your offer. Who are you to judge? Besides, Urquell offers that clean, crisp front with a hard, bitter finish that beer lovers go crazy for.
This brew has its detractors, however. It tends to be a bit thicker than a true pilsner should be, and often leaves a gritty metallic aftertaste. It also tastes better off the tap, although it’s much more difficult to find in that form. I don’t know, call me crazy, but it seems like everything loses a little punch after being forced through the rigors of mass production.
Pilsner Urquell is a good, solid beer. But there just may be better Czech alternatives out there like Czech Rebel, which is more authentic and less expensive. It may be a little bit harder to find than a SAB Miller brew, but the end result is well worth the hunt.
3 Pints out of 5
On draft, in Europe, this is a top flight beer. One pint is not enough. It loses a lot in bottles, and even on draft once it gets to the USA, if you can find it at all on draft, which you almost surely can't.
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