Pilsner Urquell

During my recent European trip, I was fortunate to sample a number of excellent Czech brews, including the original Gambrinus, Kozel and Budweiser. (not to be confused with the rather insipid US drink of the same name!). I therefore felt it appropriate to feature one as our BoM. I was going to feature a micro-brewed dark lager, but felt that would be a waste of time since none is exported. The decision as to which to feature, was made for me as I left the Czech republic by train to Frankfurt via Nuremberg. On this route, the train passes within a Kilometre of the immense Plzensky Prazdroj complex on the outskirts of Plzen, which includes the Pilsner Urquell brewery. This very famous brand still retains the elegance of traditional manufacture, even though the Miller group now owns it.

Beer has been produced here since the 1840’s, but now of course Pilsner Urquell is world famous. Justifiably so, and there is probably not a better mass produced lager in the world. Bottom fermented in the traditional way, PU finishes with a modest 4.4 % alcohol, but retains that ‘harmonic’, pleasantly bitter taste of a good lager, without any harsh or unwanted aftertaste.

The beer is widely available here; so don’t waste time thinking about it! Action speaks loudest. Good drinking.

Michael

P.S. You would not believe how cheap this is in Prague Supermarkets, sold in 500ml bottles!