Pilsners are one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world today. Whenever you’re enjoying a refreshing pale lager on a hot summer’s day, you’re taking in a beer that first became popular in the 1800s Czech Republic. Below, we explore the history of the pilsner and some of the best pairings to go with it.
Born in Bohemia
Pilsner beer emerged around 1842 in Bohemia. After suffering from ales expiring before they could be sold, momentum grew in the Czech Republic for new recipes that would last longer. Instead, Czech brewers used lighter barley and a more refined process to create a new, refreshing type of beer. News quickly snowballed and pilsner’s journey to global popularity had started.
The four types of pilsner
There are four types of pilsner to be aware of. There’s the traditional Czech pilsner, with its taste of sweetened bread. Meanwhile, there are Belgian pilsners that are characterised by a notably light and smooth taste. Then there are German pilsners: these tend to be more bitter and they take on a darker hue than others. Finally, American pilsners have toned-down flavours and often contain a lower alcohol percentage.
Colour
When you buy pilsners, you’ll be struck by their colour. They’re much lighter than ales and stouts – instead, they take on a light, golden colour that’s perfect for a summer’s day. While they undergo a similar production process to other lagers, their colour sets them apart.
Flavours
Pilsners have a malty flavour. However, depending on the type of pilsner you’re drinking, it could taste sweet, bitter or even spicy. Czech pilsners are characterised by a sweet taste with floral hops. Many pilsners can come with a citrusy taste too. Ultimately, you should carefully examine the beers you’re buying to see the specific taste you might end up with.
Food pairings
If you’re looking to cook up some recipes that go well with the pilsners you have, there’s a wide choice of options out there. For a start, you’ll need to think of dishes that’ll be complemented neatly by a light, refreshing beer. To go with the summery theme, it could work well to combine it with seafood and fish like salmon, tuna or trout. Alternatively, it could accompany a fresh salad well too. If you fancy a different dish instead, you could always enjoy a pilsner with a cheese course after you’ve finished your main meal.
If you’re a beer fan but don’t always fancy dark, heavy beers, a pilsner could be an excellent choice for you. Just consider the guide above and you might find that you have an exciting, fresh beverage to try.
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