Rotmistrz Pilsner
Review Date 5/15/2024 By John Staradumsky
A European Beer Collection! Costco was selling the European Beer Collection! Every September, at least every September since 2015, I have picked up a Kalea Beer Advent Calendar at Costco. This calendar features 24 unique German beers that are hard to find anywhere else, at least here in the USA. These calendars have a cult following (yes, I am part of that cult) and even a dedicated Facebook group.
Anyway, in early January of 2024, someone in the aforementioned group posted about The European Beer Collection, a 10-pack of 16.9 ounce cans from various European countries. I knew I wanted one, and in mid-February while shopping at Costco with my wife she pointed out a lone carton of said beers atop a display of some other beer I can’t remember. It went immediately into my cart, of course (they did have a pallet full of these we saw later).
The box featured two beers from Polish brewer Malcom S.A. The first I tried was a credible India Pale Lager, and the second was Rotmistrz Pilsner, a Polish pilsner as they call it.
From the Box - European Beer Collection website:
ABOUT THIS BEER
Like much of Eastern Europe, Poland has been brewing beer since the middle ages. The brewery producing Rotmistrz originally began production in the mid-19th century, taking inspiration from British beer styles that began to be imported into Poland during the spread of the Industrial Revolution. Located in Central Poland close to the Czech border, the seamless fusion of traditional brewing techniques with innovative recipes results in a unique lineup of beers that tell the story of Poland’s fascinating history and brewing tradition in every glass.
Of the beer itself they say:
A pronounced hoppy spiciness weaves in alongside a mild herbal quality, imparting a mild bitterness that never overpowers the sweetness of the malt backbone. The finish is clean, crisp, and refreshing, leaving a slight dryness that invites another sip.
Rotmistrz Pilsner has an alcohol content of 5% by volume according to my can. I paid $29.99 for the 10-pack, or $3 per 16.9-ounce beer. That seemed a fair price to me. My can is stamped with a best by date of 03.11.2024 on the bottom, which depending on US or European formatting could be Marc h 11th or November 3rd. I think the beer would be fine all the way through to November if handled properly. Rotmistrz is Polish for Captain.
Rotmistrz Pilsner pours to a bright golden color with a thick fluffy white head and a nose of crisp biscuity malt. Taking a sip the beer is crisp biscuit malty up front, just as I like in the style. The beer is permeated with hops, earthy and herbal and lingering long and dry and bitter in the finish.
A tasty enough pilsner that I would drink again, though to be fair there are many pilsners that I like better.
Beers of the European Beer Collection:
Germany
Poland
Rotmistrz India Pale Ale/Lager
Rotmistrz Pilsner
Glad I tried it? 
T
Would I rebuy it??
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled, Canned
(D)=Draft
