Saranac Bohemian Pilsner Beer Review

Saranac Bohemian Pilsner

Review Date 12/19/2008

Try? Re-buy?

Once a year, the fine folks at Utica, New York's Saranac Brewery dole out a holiday gift to beer lovers across the nation. That gift comes in the form of their 12 Beers of Winter Sampler, a fine assortment of classic favorite and exciting new brews. In the past, Saranac has packaged as many as 12 different brews in the collection, though these days they've settled on two bottles each of six different brews.

I like that approach better, I think. There's nothing worse than finding a beer you really like, only to realize you just drank the only one you have. Ack. In any event, this year's sampler consists of two bottles each of the following fine brews:

Saranac Vanilla Stout
Saranac India Brown Ale
Saranac Bohemian Pilsener
Saranac Extra Special Bitter
Saranac Season's Best
Saranac Belgian Ale

The first three are all new beers from Saranac, and the third, Saranac Bohemian Pilsener, is the one under consideration today. Although Saranac does already have a pilsner in it's lineup, it must be noted that there are different kinds of pilsners; hence, Saranac Bohemian Pilsener. This is intended to be in the classic Czech tradition rather than the hoppier Geman one or watery American interpretation.

Saranac Bohemian Pilsner pours to a bright golden color with a thick and rocky head formation and a slightly herbal hop nose. The beer is very well carbonated, and after pouring into my stemmed pilsner glass I see a steady stream of bubbles rise to the top of until they ultimately reach their destination at the head. A fine layer of Brussels lace clings to the sides of the glass as well.

The palate is nicely packed with crisp, biscuity malt, though I think it could use just a touch more depth. The malt is a tad creamy with a hint of buttery diacetyl common to the style, but only a hint. Of course, I want hops in a true Bohemian pilsner, and you'll certainly find them here. They're at first herbal, slightly grassy, and in the finish they become quite bitter indeed, depositing a long dry bitter buzz on the tongue that lingers for a time after sipping, almost more reminiscent of a German pils in their intensity.

All in all this is a well made pilsner modeled after the classic Urquell. It's very drinkable, refreshing, and a nice addition to this year's 12 beers collection

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

(G)=Growler

Home