Berkshire Czech Pilsner - Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.

MoreThanWine

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured a 2.5" white head. Hazy straw yellow color. The flavor profile is typical BMC all the way too me, just a little stronger and smoother, and I kind of wonder if that isn't more to the credit of it being a fresher and constantly refrigerated version of a pilsner. Yes, I enjoyed it and would repeat, but as far as the build of the beer goes I'd still just call it a little above average.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2011 13:30:06 | More by MoreThanWine

bgjohnston

Connecticut

3.05/5  rDev -23.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This beer poured an orangy golden color with a small head of tiny bubbles. I would have liked a bit more carbonation, but what was there was very nice.

It was maltier in smell and in taste than I was expecting. It was not a heavy malt presence, but still stronger and more persistent than I was expecting. Maybe the Noble Pils from Sam Adams or the Lagunitas pilsner is just more to my taste, as they were more crisp and less sweet on the palate. I wanted a drier finish, too.

Overall, not a dislike for me, but I do prefer other brewers of this style.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2011 00:17:15 | More by bgjohnston

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked up at Julio's Liquors. Poured into my Duvel tulip.

A - Poured a nice crystal clear golden colour with a white one finger head atop the brew that fades to leave a nice halo and good white flecks.

S - Nice sweet malts and grains along with nice light Saaz hop notes.

T - Wow. Very surprised. Sweet bready malts and more of the musky Saaz hops. Very fresh and clean tasting.

M - A very nice and refreshing mouthfeel. Very clean finish.

O - Overall I was quite impressed with this offering from Berkshire Brewing Company. Always good.to support local, and with beers like this they make it very easy.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2011 01:35:12 | More by rudzud

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22-ounce bomber into a Sam Adams pint glass.

A: Clear, clean, golden straw yellow with a two-finger head of fizzy carbonation bubbles upheld by a bit of creaminess which lingered for a bit but left little lacing.

S: Loads of rustic grains, bread malts and baked, buttery biscuit aromas to go along with slightly spicy, musty Saaz hops.

T: Toasted cereal malts hit the palate first with a little creaminess and zesty, milled graininess. The hops slowly build in for a distinct, spicy, bubbly and slightly metallic taste that dries out the palate and washes the brew down with a lightly bitter and bready aftertaste.

M: Light to medium body, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel with a little creaminess up front before the bubbly, spicy drying hops take hold.

O: A nice, balanced pilsener with an authentic Czech feel to it. Saaz hops are the subtle star of the show and bready, earthy, milled floor malts add enough substance to keep it a nice hot weather brew. Not a ton of interest on a normal basis, but BBC did a fine job here.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2011 02:17:56 | More by Gambrinus1184

KTCamm

New Jersey

3.4/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from the BBCs 22 oz bomber into a pint glass.

Pours light amber - darker than a typical pils. White foamy, leaving a full layer. Pils-y smell but mild. Cleab malty flavor. Subtle hop. Some citrus. Clean finish. A little sweet, if anything. A good beer, not great.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2011 11:45:08 | More by KTCamm

sawbones420

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Haven't done a review in a while and I believe this is the first time this beer has been released so I figured I'd throw my two cents in.

Poured into an imperial pint glass. Yes, I have a pilsner glass but if you've had as much BBC as I have, you've learned that all their beers have a malt profile that tastes best in a shaker.

Pours hazy straw, with a head that quickly dissipates to nothing.

Smell is fine, slightly fruity, slightly malty. Smells like a lot of BBC beers.

First sip is delicious and crisp. As suspected, this has that classic BBC malt backbone that I really dig. It probably detracts from the "authenticity" of the style, but I'm finding it very drinkable. Those hints of fruit I smell come out only a little bit in the taste with a very subtle hop tang. There's a quality to the flavor that reminds me of the pleasant almost grassy flavor of some Chinese green teas.

Mouth-feel is similarly crisp though it flattens out slightly towards the back of the tongue.

At 5%, I believe this is the lowest it gets from BBC in terms of ABV. This makes it very drinkable and very sessionable, however at this price point ($5/22oz.) it's not likely that I'll enjoy more than one at a time. If this ends up on tap at a local bar, I imagine it'll be one of the better values available. Give it a try if you see it on the shelf

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2011 00:10:04 | More by sawbones420

rdilauro

Connecticut

2.73/5  rDev -31.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Typical light pour with almost zero head to it. I was hoping for a lot of a hoppy head and nose to this. I was disappointed since it was on the milder side.
The taste was light and the over mouthful was not totally balance. My mouth was bombarded with different flavors, some being hop, some being malit, but it was too inconsistent.
The final taste and aftertaste was also disappointing.
This was not a bad brew, but something I juts really didnt like

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2011 23:57:19 | More by rdilauro

OldIronLungs

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a pils glass a straw gold with a nice white styrofoam head that settles to a quarter inch disc.

The nose is sweet grass with the slightest touch of lemon.

A sip is open and light with lots of tingly carbonation - bready malt sweetness is tempered by very subtle hops. Clean, smooth and mellow.

BBC, you make a fine brew. Truly.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2011 00:05:15 | More by OldIronLungs

davey101

Connecticut

3.9/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Best by of 12/22/11. 22 oz bomber into a tall pilsner glass...finally get to rock an actual pilsner in this glass!

A - Really dark golden brown/yellow body. Super fluffy white head that breaks apart into chunks. Loads of bubbles.

S - Bready malts, cereal grains and some mild hops. Fairly one dimensional. This is the only flaw I found in this beer.

T - Really nice creaminess and bubbly texture. Rich malty bread, some sweetness and just the perfect amount of hop bittterness at the end to tie it all together. This is really delicious. Its also worth noting that I cracked this about 45 minutes after I bought it so its warmed up a slight bit. Still amazingly drinkable.

O - Perfect. Summer. Beer. This might just be my new favorite summer seasonal. Its so simple, crisp, clean and refreshing. 22 oz of summer! Another winner from BBC.

Serving type: bottle

07-14-2011 02:24:01 | More by davey101

Robtobfest

Connecticut

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Pours crystal clear golden yellow with a 1 finger sticky head. Very pretty Pils!

S- wow this smells fresh! Bready ,alts first backed by some crisp hops-Saaz. This does not have the hops of say a Prima Pils, but more traditional.

T- The taste surprises me. Better than I thouhg this would be. Berkshire makes solid brews but this is a gem! Nice crisp, fresh pils for a hot summer day. Very impressed with this offering.

Mouthfeel is light to medium with lively carbonation.

Overall, this is one of Berkshire's finest offerings. Expertly crafted and I have to say, better than Prima Pils in my opinion. Less hops, but better crafted overall. Great beer to sit in a lawnchair and admire your freshly manicured lawn!

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2011 23:19:21 | More by Robtobfest

SunDevilBeer

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Picked up a few bottles in early July, during the early part of the release.

Pours a beautiful golden with a nice inch head in a pilsner glass. Aroma is what I'm used to with other great lagers.

Damn this beer is solid. Great balance between a slighthly sweet malt and some finishing crisp hops. Unlike prior years, this is a really clean lager. I could drink this all day in the summertime - heck I'd drink this year round.

Though Berkshire specializes in English-style ales, they make great lagers when they put their minds to it.

Serving type: bottle

07-09-2011 17:04:05 | More by SunDevilBeer

cbutova

Massachusetts

3.53/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Slightly hazy yellow body with a frothy white head. Decent retention and head size. Spotty lace down the glass.

S- Bread and cereal grain malt off the top. Floral and grassy hops balance it out. Some fruit notes.

T- Malty for a pilsner, cereal grain, bread and caramel in the forefront. Hops lend spice, citrus and floral grassy notes. Butter and dark fruit as well.

MF- Light slick body with a somewhat creamy feel. Good carbonation and light bitterness.

Drinks well, could probably be a bit more hoppy for a pilsner. Solid, like most of BBC

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2011 02:09:10 | More by cbutova

SABERG

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in a pilsner straight body glass

A - Very nice deep yellow, very active and steady carbonation.
S - Sweet malt, hints of grass, touch of earth, compelling.
T - Balanced, malts are light, a short snap of hops. Pils all the way, fine representaion.
M - Smooth early, a hint of oils towards the end.
Light and refreshing.

O - Berkshire has again balanced a beer between strict representation to style and its own siganture. A great seasonal.Seek it out and enjoy

Serving type: bottle

07-05-2011 21:52:59 | More by SABERG

Aggie69143

Connecticut

4.05/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

bbc czech pills is a nice golden czech style pills,with flaverfull soft malts.This beer is easy to drink and very refreshing.The mouthfull is probally its best aspect of this beer.HAS A nice subtle bitterness from the hops,highly recomened to try this one.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2011 16:35:48 | More by Aggie69143

jbertsch

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

Looks like a classic gold pilsner. Shiny almost, with a big frothy head.

Aroma is of clean, crisp malts. Faint hops, not as much hop aroma as the label touts. Some simple caramel notes and little husk round out the aroma.

The taste is simple, yet so solid. Nice touch of honey.
Smooth mouthfeel. The carbonation is sufficient, but fades quickly on the tongue.

GREAT drinkability.

Often pilsners are overlooked by beer geeks because they're "big" and exciting. This pilsner shows craft and deserves attention.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2010 02:23:28 | More by jbertsch

Jwale73

Rhode Island

4.13/5  rDev +4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz. bottle served in a pilsener glass. Best by 01/04/2011 indicated on the bottle. Pours a translucent orange gold with copious tiny bubbles effervescing from the base of the glass to the underside of the cap. Head is one inch, bright white and latte-like. Nose is citrusy with grains and a kiss of Saaz hops. Taste consistent with nose - cereal grains are expressed and there is also a touch of sweetness in the mix. Finishes with a combination of lemony citrus and a mild hops bittering. Mouthfeel is light bodied and lively with a crisp finish. An extremely pleasant and drinkable Czech Pilsener. Having had both the bottle and draft version, I have to say that I found the bottle to be the more preferable of the two.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2010 00:04:47 | More by Jwale73

jdhilt

New Hampshire

3.65/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a two finger white head that fades quickly to a thin leaving some lace. Medium carbonation and medium bodied. Almost clear pale yellow/amber color. Nose is grassy hops. Flavor is sweet grass with light bitterness. Good pilsner. Their site puts the ABV at 5.5%. $4.50 for a 22oz bottle from Colonial Spirits, Acton, MA.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2010 22:29:49 | More by jdhilt

JAXSON

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle, thanks Cody. Pours a clear light orange with a small white head. Largely blank nose with some light grains and hops, certainly nothing off-putting though. Flavor is good, though I'm a sucker for this style. Very good balance between malt and hops, this comes off as fresh and bright, with a short, crisp finish. Super nice flavor here. Not as grassy as many Czech pils, but the balance and profile is superb. A lot of people will pass this one over as it's not super exciting, but it's quite well crafted.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2010 20:20:03 | More by JAXSON

donkeyrunner

Massachusetts

3.58/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I love Berkshire.

Hazy, dark yellow color. White foamy head = white foamy retention. Smells like light grain...and that's it. Some Saaz would have been nice. Taste is snappy pils malt, a little doughy underneath, and crisp carbonation. Again, some Saaz would have been welcome. I've read everyone else's reviews who rave about this beer and have evident hop contribution but I'm jut not getting it. I think it deserves further investigation.

A very Berkshire brew - it's not outstanding but really solid, traditional, and good example of style. I like it and hopefully I'll see it on taps around Boston soon as Steel Rail and Coffehaus seem to dominate.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2010 21:55:46 | More by donkeyrunner

portia99

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle poured into a gold rimmed Buzzards Bay stemmed glass.

A - Pours a sparkling, "able to read a newspaper thru it" clear, bright gold with a big finger of fluffy white head. Not quite whipped creamy as I love to see it cap a draught in Germany, but very nice. Some fragile whisps of lacing coat the sides of the glass.

S - Big hit of floral hops up front layered on top of some delicate bready and lightly sweet malt with a touch of graininess. Very clean fermentation as it should be.

T - Lightly fruity/citrusy at first that gives way to a muted sweetness with a backing of bread and cereal grain. Noble hops give a clean and crisp bitterness, although compared to my experiences with fresh German pils, they seem a bit muddy (perhaps more accurately described as a bit too floral)...not as clean a beer as it should be and seems to be the firm bitter bite from the hops that isn't quite hitting the spot. No hints of diacetyl.

M - Somewhat light and thin overall, even for the style. I expect a bit more body here and a stronger carbonation level. As it is, the carbonation can only muster a light tingle on the tongue...again should be crisper and firmer feeling. Probably the least desirable aspect of this beer to me. Not horrible by any stretch, but seems to be just off the mark.

D - Overall a pretty good American example of this style. While not up to the best Czech and German versions, and not even the best US version, it is quite tasty and a good summer thirst quencher. Think the rest of this is gonna go well with the burger that is just finishing on the grill.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2010 23:46:18 | More by portia99

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle purchased at the Spirit Haus, Amherst, MA.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 3/4" tan head over the clear golden amber brew. Frothy head holds on, with Lots of sticky lacing. Aroma is light, consisting of balanced pale malts and tentative hops.

Taste starts with pale sweetness, cuts with a sharp lemonness, then crisp Saaz comes on strong at the close. Mouthfeel is smooth, and drinkability is very nice. Yet another good brew from BBC.

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2010 22:10:17 | More by ppoitras

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.15/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap 8/4/10 at Track 84 in Warwick, RI, served in a US tumbler pint glass.

A: The beer is a deep gold color, with a short dense white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of bready malts, lager yeast and a little bit of hops.

T: The taste starts out bready with flavors of lager yeast and a hearty but not too heavy malt character. Then a little complementary sweetness comes in. The hops presence is on-target for the style and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly sweet and slightly bready.

M: Crisp and very smooth, light-to-medium body, medium carbonation, finish is very clean.

D: Tasty, goes down very easily, not too filling, mild kick, very good representation of style, this is a very good sessionable beer to drink for a long time.

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2010 16:21:14 | More by TheManiacalOne

Sam21

Connecticut

4.25/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle into flute.

Appearance - Pours a brilliant and clear gold color with a thick white head. Nice rings of lace.

Smell - Sweet biscuity malts and some floral hope aromas. Very balanced and inviting.

Taste - Sweet and lightly buttered biscuits with some mild spiciness. Hops don't command any sort of presence in the finish. Very clean and dry finish. Balanced, just like the nose.

Mouthfeel - Solid medium body. Lots of mouth coating carbonation.

Drinkability - Complex, balanced, and very drinkable. I really enjoyed this beer and think that it is a great addition to the Berkshire seasonal lineup!

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2010 00:58:40 | More by Sam21

RunawayJim

Rhode Island

4.38/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The beer pours a nice golden color. I think if I had to really give it a name, I'd say it's maize. There's a nice fluffy white head on top, about two fingers thick. You can see the beautiful bubbles rising to the top. Pilsners happen to be, at least in my (usually not so) humble opinion, one of the most beautiful beers when poured properly. It doesn't matter what kind of glassware you use, they still look amazing. Though I will admit, the pilsner glass adds to that a bit.

The aroma has hints of the grassy, spicy hops and just a slight hint of the sweet malt. Upon first sip, you're hit with those hops. As it lingers in your mouth, you get the nice sweeter malt flavors. It's really hard to describe their flavor as they don't hang around too long before the flavor turns back to the hops and leaves a nice dryness. It's really hard to stop drinking this one. The carbonation in this beer, though relatively effervescent in the glass, is more mild in the mouth, though you can feel it tingle a bit on your tongue. It helps this beer go down easy, keeping it refreshing. While it may not be huge in-your-face flavor, it's just the perfect amount of flavor with a nice dry finish. This is exactly the kind of beer needed on such a beautiful day. I see myself buying more of this beer in the future. It's another excellent beer from a great brewery.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2010 21:19:39 | More by RunawayJim

ElDavicho

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

This is a bit tricky...I enjoy a nice pils e'ry now an den but they're difficult to get down to words...

Nice mid-deep golden color. Pretty opaque surprisingly...nice sudsy head that starts thick and sticks around after receding.

Malt and saaz soaked crackers, not quite bready, to thin for that. Mildly citrus and ghostly floral in the outfield.

Great, great stuff. If I was local, its definitely something I'd keep around all the time especially for company that may not be beer savvy. Bitter twang on the swallow lingers for a moment. Citrusy flowers and sweet crackers all come through cleen and crisp. Nice clean alcohol as it warms or as I feel it...not sure which is having that effect on the taste :-/

Dry, mildly carbonated and very much the viscosity of water. Not too much going on, but it is what's expected and doesn't detract.

Plenty drinkable. Low ABV helps for sure, but it's just good stuff. Drink it cold, drink it slow or suck em down. However you want to do this is a good pils. Tastes like a good pils should. If there were beers that could completely displace adjuncts given the exposure, stuff like this would do the job.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2010 23:36:48 | More by ElDavicho