Bohemian Pilsener 2B

Next on the BJCP guideline is Bohemian Pilsener 2B.  This is the original version of a Pilsener (Pilsner), first brewed in 1842 in Pilsen, Bohemia.  Pilsner Urquell, the original Pilsener, is still produced in Pilsen today!  Also another famous pilsener is Budweiser Budvar, the original Budweiser, which is sold as Czechvar in the US, due to an ongoing legal battle between Anheuser Busch and Budweiser.  These were some of the first mass produced lager beers, being that most beers before them were ales.  A lager is made with a bottom fermented yeast and fermented in cool caves for an extended time. 

Aroma:  Complex malt and spicy, floral Saaz hops.  A slight presence of diacetyl is acceptable.  Otherwise clean, no fruity esters. 

Appearance:  Pale gold to deep gold, brilliant to very clear, with a dense white, long-lasting, creamy head.

Flavor:  Rich, complex maltiness combined with a pronounced yet soft and rounded bitterness and spicy flavor from Saaz hops. Some diacetyl is acceptable, but need not be present. Bitterness is prominent but never harsh, and does not linger. The aftertaste is balanced between malt and hops. Clean, no fruity esters.

Mouthfeel:  Medium bodied, medium carbonation.

Comments:  Crisp, complex and well-rounded yet refreshing.  This was the original clear light-colored beer.  Uses Moravian malted barley and a decoction mash for rich, malt character. Saaz hops and low sulfate, low carbonate water provide a distinctively soft, rounded hop profile. Traditional yeast sometimes can provide a background diacetyl note. Dextrins provide additional body, and diacetyl enhances the perception of a fuller palate.

Numbers:  IBU (Bitterness) 35-45, SRM (Color) 3.5-6, OG (Potential) 1.044- 1.056, FG (Finish) 1.013- 1.017, ABV4.2- 5.4%

Examples: Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar, Czech Rebel, Golden Pheasant

Soft water with low mineral content, Saaz hops, Moravian malted barley, Czech lager yeast.  The first batch of this style has been attributed to Burger Brauerei on October 5, 1842 brewed by Josef Groll.  As I mentioned this is probably the  first and some say the best style of lager beer.  Unfortunately here in the US we do not have a readily available source of fresh Bohemian Pilsener, since they are shipped from Europe to the US.  As I have mentioned on other styles if a beer is good here in the US after coming over on a ship, it must be excellent in Europe!  The two best examples in my opinion are Pilsner Urquell and Budvar, both are best on tap since they both come in green glass bottles.  The tap versions avoid the problem of being light struck and becoming skunked.

QC Beerguy