Rebel with a Cause

Until recently when I reached for a light beer, it usually meant a Tripel from Belgium or the ubiquitous but super-tasty Duvel. But an ABV of 8.5% and the beginnings of a paunch had me rethinking my ideas of what a summer thirst quencher should be. So this has been a summer of exploration in some of the lighter “session” beer styles. I have always been a fan of Belgian wheat beers, great summer beers, but I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. So why not choose a style mired in craft brew scorn with many a poor soul getting their only taste of one from the likes of Budweiser. The Pilsner. Luckily, it is a style that American microbreweries are starting to work with and great examples are easy to find. It is also a style with a long and noble European tradition. Three fine examples show the full spectrum of possibilities with the style:


Mama’s Little Yella Pils

The smell is grainy with pilsner malt and a light hop presence. Some grassy and floral notes are present as well. Crisp with little aroma hops but displays a fine bitter finish. Light in body. Perfect summer session beer and should be a staple for the pool or beach.









Victory Prima Pils

Light straw color. Strong hop aromas. Taste is light and hoppy with floral, herbal and spicy notes dominating. Assertive in flavor and hop bitterness. Malt sweetness provides balance to the hop bitterness. Clean and crisp finish with a strong floral hop aftertaste.








Czech Rebel Beer

Pours dark gold with sweet pilsner malt and bread flavors on the nose. Taste is rustic and earthy with a yeasty goodness. The Saaz hops give balance to the sweetness. As full-bodied pilsner. Again like all great Pilsners the finish is crisp with a medium hop bitterness.