homebrew pilsner vs. store bought

[Caffinehog]

How much better than store bought is a homebrew pils? Or is it even better? It would be an extract brew if I did it.

Why do I ask? I don't have the facilities to lager, but there's an "On premise" place where I could brew it, but it would be the same price as store-bought.

[Jughead]

I used to do extract brews at a "brew on premise" and they all turned out great.

Is it just extract, or do they steep specialty grains too? The grains add a lot to the finished beer. Also, do they actually cold ferment their lagers, or just ferment them along side the ales?

Even if it's the same price as store bought, I'd go for it. Depending on the place, the beer will at least be as good as store-bought, and likely better.

[brewmonkey]

It would be as good as you made it. I have had some homebrewed Pilsners that were great, liked them better then some out on the market and I have had some that I would not want to drink ever again.

Best way to decide is brew to the best of your ability and then decide.

Even better, brew it and set up a blind taste panel (Triangle method) and have some buddies tell you what they think.

You can get some more information on the triangle method out of Dr. Fix's book "An Analysis of Brewing Techniques". We used it whenever we try something new to gauge opinion as well as on our standard beers every know and again to make sure we are still on target.

[fretlessman71]

Triangle method? Explain, please...

[unkle bik]

My lagers have turned out pretty well. I don't know if any of them could qualify for a true Pilsener, though. I have fridge in the garage that I ferment in which helps. I have been fermenting at temps as low as 43 degrees. The last batch had to be brought indoors because temps were in the 30's out in the fridge. I finished in the basement with an avg. temp of about 58.
The secret to making a good lager lies in it's yeast.