Saranac Bohemian Pilsener
Review Date
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.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
Also From This Brewery
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
