Pilsner Urquell Covered Six-packs

[steveh]

Haven't seen anyone mention this yet, so here I go. Spotted these for the first time in central Wisconsin last week, seen 'em locally now. It appears the Urquell (maybe even the SA-Miller) folk have been taking note about complaints of skunky beer. Nice move IMHO.

S.

[jesskidden]

In NJ, we're just beginning to get the 1/2 liter cans of Pilsner Urquell, which is a great package for the beer (it's an nice, embossed can, too), especially in the warm weather. They come in 4 packs so it was hard to "do the math" as far as value ( 4 X 16.9 oz. vs. 6 X 12 oz...). When I went back to buy a case, the one store I found that carried it was out already.

[wortchillergoal]

Down with PU! Long Live Budvar! All Hail Budvar!









Sorry there steveh I just had to.

[CJ01]

Originally posted by steveh
Haven't seen anyone mention this yet, so here I go. Spotted these for the first time in central Wisconsin last week, seen 'em locally now. It appears the Urquell (maybe even the SA-Miller) folk have been taking note about complaints of skunky beer. Nice move IMHO.

S.

I bought Urquell in the 12 pack just to prevent UV exposure. It would be nice to pick up a 6 that hasn't been blasted.

[chazwicke]

I've been on a real pils bender so far this season. Besides growlers from my local brewpub, I've had growler of Prima Pils from Victory and Pikeland Pils from Sly Fox as well as drinking pils at both establishments. Also I've gone through one sixtel of Troegs Sunshine Pils and have another tapped and underway. I've got Legacy Pils in a sixtel too. (Flying Fish Farmhouse and Yards Philly Pale round out the sixtel choices that are not pils). I'll keep an eye out for those closed sixers and the 1/2 litre cans of the Urquell. Troegs Sunshine and Sly Fox Pikeland are both excellent. And Wort, I've enjoyed the Budvar in Europe many times. Even at the brewery and it is indeed a nice beer when fresh.

[steveh]

Originally posted by CJ01
It would be nice to pick up a 6 that hasn't been blasted.

Yeah, that was my original point -- this will allow more folks to experience untainted Urquell without having to drop the cash on a whole 12 pack.

Now, if they'll just start making the .5 liter bottles in brown, as Budvar does. And, if Budvar would just start using more hops like a real Bohemian Pils, Wortchiller. ;)

Uh, Chaz? You sure "bender" is the word you want to use here?

S.

[jesskidden]

Originally posted by steveh
Yeah, that was my original point -- this will allow more folks to experience untainted Urquell without having to drop the cash on a whole 12 pack.



Pilsner Urquell has been one of my standard "summer beers" for a decade now (altho' in recent years, it's been pushed back to choice #3 or #4 by Jever, Pikeland and Prima (based mostly on the date code), so I never understood people's reluctance to buy it only by the case, but that says more about me and my drinking habits <g> than it does about others'. (I mean, a hot day- working in the yard- that first "sip" and half the beer's gone- and I think the second half just evaporates because the glass or bottle [yeah, on the John Deere I'll drink it from the bottle- less spillage and a beer glass won't fit my home made "cup" holder] is always empty when I check again).

Originally posted by steveh

Now, if they'll just start making the .5 liter bottles in brown, as Budvar does.

S.

I was thinking about trying some Budvar again last month- no doubt due to 'net discussions- since I really hadn't had it often since that first initial burst of purchases when it hit this area with it's psuedonymed label. And, figured, I'd go with the brown 1/2 liters, too. And when I found it on the shelf of a store (a very large outlet- lots of case sales, etc.- in the "Shop Rite" chain) I was surprised to see a "Best by" date of "02- 06".

I guess the beer, at least in that package, isn't doing too well (maybe being distributed by the A-B network will help the freshness issue). OTOH, that Shop Rite isn't too keen on rotation or pulling old beer. I found 3 4-packs of Pekuno's Hammer a month or two before that (hidden behind some boxes of nonic glasses...).

[MeridianFC]

I think PU is a shadow of its former self. If I'm in the mood for a Pilsner, though they are significantly different, I reach for Victory, Brooklyn, Sly Fox, and Jever. Obviously I prefer the German (style) interpretation of the Bohemian born brew, though it should be noted I've never had a proper Pilsner in its native habitat which not doubt colors my opinion.

[fretlessman71]

HIJACK ALERT....

Originally posted by jesskidden
I found 3 4-packs of Pekuno's Hammer a month or two before that (hidden behind some boxes of nonic glasses...). Did you pick those up and hang on to them? At least they keep very well for a few years... maybe you got them at a discount and are willing to send a few to your old pal Fret?....

[/hijack]

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
I think PU is a shadow of its former self. If I'm in the mood for a Pilsner, though they are significantly different, I reach for Victory, Brooklyn, Sly Fox, and Jever. Obviously I prefer the German (style) interpretation of the Bohemian born brew, though it should be noted I've never had a proper Pilsner in its native habitat which not doubt colors my opinion. I did enjoy the PU I had a few years back - I have no idea if it's changed much. Too many other summer beers for me to enjoy. Maybe now that I can get a 6er... who knows...

[Wilson]

I picked up some of these covered sixers of Urquell this weekend. Its still sitting in my fridge. I have been real reluctant to drink it since my trip to Prague.

[chazwicke]

I can assure you from experience that it won't quite be the same.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh


Uh, Chaz? You sure "bender" is the word you want to use here?

S.

Yeah poor choice of wording there.

I did go through a sixtel of the Troegs Sunshine in just one weekend which is highly unusual for me. I did have help from my son, brother, nephew and friend though. ;)

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by jesskidden
I mean that first "sip" and half the beer's gone-



I find this happening when drinking Pilsner this time of year too.

[steveh]

Originally posted by jesskidden
I never understood people's reluctance to buy it only by the case,

The reluctance is through past experience with skunked 6 packs. They don't want to chance a whole 12 or 24 bottles if they're going to get nothing but bad beer. Then there are the folks who think that's how some beers are supposed to taste!

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
I think PU is a shadow of its former self.

This seems to be the most common debate about Urquell any more, but the fact is it's still a great brew. Tasty, dead on to style, and low ABV as well. I know the "old" character everyone misses, but to be honest - I never found that beer in a fresh state at too many places in my area. Once or twice on tap, that's about it, back in the early 90s.

I can't complain at all about Urquell...at least not yet -- give SAB some time.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I find this happening when drinking Pilsner this time of year too.

That would explain the "bender" and the fast sixtel, wouldn't it? ;)

S.

[MeridianFC]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
I did enjoy the PU I had a few years back - I have no idea if it's changed much. Too many other summer beers for me to enjoy. Maybe now that I can get a 6er... who knows...

I'm thinking of the PU of the 80s v. now.

[HarkJohnny]

if you can find it, try a bitburger pils. good stuff too

[steveh]

Originally posted by HarkJohnny
try a bitburger pils.

Not to rain on your opinion, but in a word -- eh.

I think you'd find that many Germans view Bitburger the way we view BMC.

S.

[rlkbaylor]

Do any of you guys have an opinion of Konig or Paulaner Pils. I've recently bought both & enjoyed them. I read alot of the threads & post little, but I really enjoy & respect the regulars opinions. Thanks for helping to educate.

[steveh]

Originally posted by rlkbaylor
Do any of you guys have an opinion of Konig or Paulaner Pils.

I haven't had either in a while, but they were both typical of German Pils and very mildly hopped -- sort of a step above a Helles in hop balance and maybe a little drier.

Jever and Eku Pils are probably better examples. I even think Dinkel-Acker is better than Spaten Pils (very similar to Paulaner), and they're made at the same brewery for export.

Try them and let us know your own thoughts. Here are some previous reviews for you to peruse:

http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7106&highlight=Pils

http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3968&highlight=pilsner

S.

[rlkbaylor]

Thanks Steveh, again I really enjoy the reviews.

[jesskidden]

Originally posted by steveh
The reluctance is through past experience with skunked 6 packs. They don't want to chance a whole 12 or 24 bottles if they're going to get nothing but bad beer.


Oh, is that it? I thought they were just cheap <g>. Altho', in NJ at least, it's penny wise and pound foolish, since beer by the case always saves one a coupla bucks, at least- usually close to a dollar a six-pack. P.U. has gone through a few importers in the last few years, but, currently, their date code is pretty easy to figure out (it used to be a bear- but I carried a "cheat sheet" in my wallet with their and Anchor's formula) and, since I've only bought in in case quanties and it's unopened, I haven't had a skunked Pilsner Urquell in decades. It's not quite the same beer it once was, but it's sure a lot easier to find fresh examples and much less "hit or miss" than it once was.

Originally posted by steveh
Then there are the folks who think that's how some beers are supposed to taste!



There's a name for those people. Damn. It's on the tip of my tongue...oh, yeah- Heineken drinkers!

( I remember bringing a six pack of Ballantine Ale to a picnic one time and putting it in a cooler. Later, making room for a jug wine or some Miller Lite, someone threw the last couple of bottles in an open tub of ice. Late that evening, as the beer ran out, a heavily made-up, dressed to the nines, hip young woman searched around for something to drink, found and grabbed a Bally- reluctantly- tasted it and declared "Hey, this tastes just like Heineken!")

[HarkJohnny]

Originally posted by steveh
Not to rain on your opinion, but in a word -- eh.

I think you'd find that many Germans view Bitburger the way we view BMC.

S.

really. didn't know that, but i do now!

[steveh]

Originally posted by HarkJohnny
really. didn't know that, but i do now!

Warsteiner isn't all too popular over there either. I think Stahl covered it well when he said he'd never drink beer from a brewery that started advertising on TV.

S.

[jesskidden]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
HIJACK ALERT....

Did you pick those up and hang on to them? At least they keep very well for a few years... maybe you got them at a discount and are willing to send a few to your old pal Fret?....

[/hijack]

Oh, I thought that by saying I "found" the Pekuno's it would just be *assumed* that...(like saying "I found a $20 bill in the parking lot...") well, yeah, I bought 'em.

IIRC, it was just around the time that the born-again batch at Victory was brewed.

I didn't "hang on" to all of them (well, I hung onto the bottle as I poured it into the glass...) but I can spare a 4-pack if you want to do a trade.

I could also supply a 4 year run of Heavyweight's barleywine, Old Salty, too, to make the trip to FedEx worthwhile.

I'll send you a PM to work out details...

[HarkJohnny]

speaking of Pils....

the local Kroger grocery here now has a "beers of the world" endcap, which I'm sure they think is rather fancy of them. anyway, they had Prima Pils for $10.49 a sixer! HOLY MOLY GROSSLY OVERPRICED BEER BATMAN!

[steveh]

Originally posted by HarkJohnny
they had Prima Pils for $10.49 a sixer!

Wow, that even beats the $8.99 I've seen it at around here!

I really need to buy into a Trader Joe's franchise for my neighborhood.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by jesskidden
Oh, I thought that by saying I "found" the Pekuno's it would just be *assumed* that...(like saying "I found a $20 bill in the parking lot...") well, yeah, I bought 'em.

Just had one last night watching the Ducks win... NICE BREW. :)

[chazwicke]

Had 7 last night at another Stone event in my neck of the woods. Got a free pint glass with every Stone beer from the Reps. Three different varieties.

I drank:
Victory Hop Devil on cask (Before the event started)
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Arrogant Bastard
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Pale Ale
Stone Pale Ale

They also had the 10th anniversary on tap but I was not up for a barleywine at 10% again.

[steveh]

Originally posted by steveh
Warsteiner isn't all too popular over there either.

I may have to eat my words here a little -- at a graduation party this weekend I sampled my first Sam Summer of the year, quite enjoyable; grainy with citrus undertones.

Since I was only having one more beer, I thought I'd try the available Warsteiner (Premium) -- I was surprised at the smooth melanoidin character coming through -- keeping in mind that my palate wasn't clean and that some of the Sam Adams' character could have been blocking and enhancing the Warsteiner character, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Malt and hops well balanced, light and refreshing. I'll need to sample it clean some time again soon.

To my previous comment on Germans considering this beer the same as we see BMC, it just goes to show that there are some really great small breweries in Germany. But if one of their bigger boys can create a tasty beer, what's wrong with our big boys?

S.

[Sladek]

Originally posted by jesskidden
In NJ, we're just beginning to get the 1/2 liter cans of Pilsner Urquell, which is a great package for the beer (it's an nice, embossed can, too), especially in the warm weather. They come in 4 packs so it was hard to "do the math" as far as value ( 4 X 16.9 oz. vs. 6 X 12 oz...). When I went back to buy a case, the one store I found that carried it was out already. That is great news--I love Urquell in cans. Even in CZ it's better than the bottle.

By the way, Budvar switched over to green bottles a couple of years ago, unless Czechvar is still brown. The ad campaign in CZ was eye-roll inducing--"hang up the old clothes--Budvar in sleek new clothes!" or somesuch crap.

[hertha fever]

Originally posted by steveh
I may have to eat my words here a little -- at a graduation party this weekend I sampled my first Sam Summer of the year, quite enjoyable; grainy with citrus undertones.

Since I was only having one more beer, I thought I'd try the available Warsteiner (Premium) -- I was surprised at the smooth melanoidin character coming through -- keeping in mind that my palate wasn't clean and that some of the Sam Adams' character could have been blocking and enhancing the Warsteiner character, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Malt and hops well balanced, light and refreshing. I'll need to sample it clean some time again soon.

To my previous comment on Germans considering this beer the same as we see BMC, it just goes to show that there are some really great small breweries in Germany. But if one of their bigger boys can create a tasty beer, what's wrong with our big boys?

S.

warsteiner has done a good job of pairing up with pro soccer teams here as a sponsor. but, i can tell you everytime i wait at the beerstand at the stadium i hear at least one person complaining that only warsteiner is available.
most people won´t drink at the games here in berlin because they can´t stand the stuff.
i don´t like it personally, that´s why i only buy a small one at the game.

[steveh]

Originally posted by hertha fever
i don´t like it personally, that´s why i only buy a small one at the game.

Why don't you like it? I agree that it's not anything to rave about, but it's definitely drinkable -- unlike most of the favorite macros around here.

I guess it's all in the perspective of where you stand and what you can reach. Would I pick the Warsteiner over a nice brew from a small-town brewery in Bavaria or Wisconsin? Probably not, but I wouldn't shy away from it as the only choice at a pub, as I would BMC.

S.

[MeridianFC]

Wartsteiner is far from great but if it's the worst beer on offer at the football ground you're doing pretty good. All things are relative I guess.

[hertha fever]

Originally posted by steveh
Why don't you like it? I agree that it's not anything to rave about, but it's definitely drinkable -- unlike most of the favorite macros around here.

I guess it's all in the perspective of where you stand and what you can reach. Would I pick the Warsteiner over a nice brew from a small-town brewery in Bavaria or Wisconsin? Probably not, but I wouldn't shy away from it as the only choice at a pub, as I would BMC.

S.

i can´t say for sure why i don´t like it. i guess compared to everything else available here it just doesn´t stand up to the others. i should note, i´ve only had it from tap. maybe bottled or canned tastes different.
honestly, when i´m looking for a pub to go to, if i see a warsteiner sign above the door, i keep on walking.

[hertha fever]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
Wartsteiner is far from great but if it's the worst beer on offer at the football ground you're doing pretty good. All things are relative I guess.

well, the problem is that it´s the best beer and worst beer offered at the stadium. thanks to sponsorship rules it´s the only beer offered.
but, i have hope. rumor is that next season will feature krombacher as a sponsor.

[Sladek]

Surdyk's in Minneapolis now has Prazdroj (Urquell) in cans, thank ye gods (well, SAB Miller and their ongoing quest for world domination). Slick cans. It's not as good as pub fresh, but it's good! Now I can drink it again.

[eppie]

I guess this thread has already gone off course, so I won't feel bad about talking about other pils.
I've been going regulary to Poland for work, and have loved the pils there. What do you guys think of Tyskie and Lech? The latter is hopped with something very strong (a sort pine taste) and the Tyskie is a good all rounder. the other beers aren't bad either. I also go to Hungary sometimes, and my rule about drinking local beer makes it a much less enjoyable buisiness trip.
What are your thoughts about Polish beer?
( Zywizc (sp?) porter is good too, but let's not get too off track)
________
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[steveh]

Originally posted by Sladek
it's not as good as pub fresh, but it's good! Now I can drink it again.

I just can't believe the cans could be that much better than fresh, non-light-struck bottles, but I may have to give one a try for the heck of it.

S.

[chazwicke]

I've never really noticed Urquell in cans in my local paint stores before. Is this new? I opt for it on draft occasionally.

[steveh]

It's a fairly new item, I saw it locally for the first time a few months ago.

S.

[Sladek]

Originally posted by steveh
I just can't believe the cans could be that much better than fresh, non-light-struck bottles, but I may have to give one a try for the heck of it.

S. Yeah, it's probably psychological, as I have a maniacal hatred of green bottles. To be honest, I've never bothered with sealed cases.

[jesskidden]

Originally posted by steveh
I just can't believe the cans could be that much better than fresh, non-light-struck bottles
S.

Well, yeah, the cans are better than the bottles- they contain 4.9 more ounces of Pilsner Urquell! <g>

Around NJ it doesn't seem like there's a big push on the package- many of the discount "warehouse" type liquor stores that often have stacks or pallets of P/U in bottles will only have a case or two of the cans (often only "what's on the shelf in the cooler")- as if they're still 'testing' the package.

When I do find it, the prices are all over the place- $6-8 a 4 pack. Found a case today for $32.99, tho'- so I'm happy (meant to check how that compared to the bottle case price but...).

[zoom6zoom]

I haven't seen the cans anywhere yet.

[steveh]

I saw them (cans) in single offerings locally for the first time, gonna have to try one.

S.

[Sladek]

Originally posted by jesskidden
Well, yeah, the cans are better than the bottles- they contain 4.9 more ounces of Pilsner Urquell! <g>
Actually, yeah, that needs to be pointed out--these are the European .5 L cans, so 4 cans for about 8 bucks isn't that bad, I think.

[HogieWan]

PU in cans?!? I will mention this to the guy at the paint store.

[steveh]

Grabbed a can of the Urquell tonight -- not a skunk to be found! Aroma was actually a slight diacytel, mostly Pils malt. Flavor was very mellow; hoppy, but not as sharp as the bottles sometimes become. Smooth and malty. I may be a convert to the cans!

S.

[CJ01]

Local grocer chain started carrying 12 packs so I picked one up tonight. Very nice, totally different beer from the skunky uncovered 6ers I've sampled.

I still have yet to see a covered six pack.

[steveh]

Originally posted by CJ01
I still have yet to see a covered six pack.

Man, even the local grocery store has 'em here. Maybe your Miller distributor is slacking. I also pointed out the cans over at the What're You Drinking Now thread, I'm converted. They may even be better than covered bottles.

S.

[chazwicke]

I'm not certain I've seen the cans here either.

[hertha fever]

and i´m pretty sure that we don´t even have pu in cans here!
i will check on that though, so don´t quote it as gospel.

[steveh]

Jeez, I've seen it large and small groceries and liquor stores here in the 'burbs. They're 4 packs, similar to Guinness Draught cans, and - if you're lucky - single cans if a store owner wants to break 'em up.

Get out there and give a look people, and report back!!

Hertha - does Urquell come in green or brown bottles over there?

S.

[hertha fever]

Originally posted by steveh
Jeez, I've seen it large and small groceries and liquor stores here in the 'burbs. They're 4 packs, similar to Guinness Draught cans, and - if you're lucky - single cans if a store owner wants to break 'em up.

Get out there and give a look people, and report back!!

Hertha - does Urquell come in green or brown bottles over there?

S.

green bottles. i´ve tried it a few times, but put me in the "prefers budvar" category.

and this is the first i´ve ever heard of guinness in 4 packs!

[hertha fever]

next weekend is the 3 day beer festival here.
i just checked the web site, and both pu and budvar will be offered fresh from tap.
maybe this could sway my opinion.
i´ll report next weekend (if i make it home!).

[steveh]

Originally posted by hertha fever
but put me in the "prefers budvar" category.

I'm glad you brought that up, because I found Urquell in the can very smooth and not as hoppy as I find it in bottles...reminded me of Budvar!

Since you probably see both Urquell and Budvar Vom Faß over there, it would be interesting to hear a side-by comparison.*

and this is the first i�ve ever heard of guinness in 4 packs!

How long you been over there? Guinness Pub Draught cans have been available in 4 packs for at least 10 years around here, was the only way you could get 'em. Now there are 8 packs too.

S.

*Edit -- D'oh, you posted while I was typing! Go man, go!

[hertha fever]

Originally posted by steveh
I'm glad you brought that up, because I found Urquell in the can very smooth and not as hoppy as I find it in bottles...reminded me of Budvar!

Since you probably see both Urquell and Budvar Vom Faß over there, it would be interesting to hear a side-by comparison.*



How long you been over there? Guinness Pub Draught cans have been available in 4 packs for at least 10 years around here, was the only way you could get 'em. Now there are 8 packs too.

S.

*Edit -- D'oh, you posted while I was typing! Go man, go!

lol, i got nothing to do tonight, i keep checking back!

honestly, i´ve only had budvar from tap here, it was excellent, i quite overdid it.
pu i´ve never seem from tap here.

not to get off track, but i´ve been here 3 years, and guinness in 6 packs just came out 2 years ago. otherwise, you got a glass at the bar, or indivdual bottles at a specialty place.

the beer festival boasts over 2,000 beers. i don´t think i can manage all.:mad:

[steveh]

Originally posted by hertha fever
not to get off track, but i´ve been here 3 years, and guinness in 6 packs just came out 2 years ago. otherwise, you got a glass at the bar, or indivdual bottles at a specialty place.


Don't forget, we're talking cans here now, not the Pub Draught bottles. The cans of Guinness have been in the US for over 10 years. I think I remember first seeing them in the mid to late 80s.

S.

[hertha fever]

Originally posted by steveh
Don't forget, we're talking cans here now, not the Pub Draught bottles. The cans of Guinness have been in the US for over 10 years. I think I remember first seeing them in the mid to late 80s.

S.

ah, i did forget you were talking cans.

in that case, guinness in cans is nonexistant here! :)

[zoom6zoom]

Finally found PU in the .5L cans here in NoVA - Shoppers Food Warehouse is now stocking them.