Pilsner Urquell or Sierra Nevada Pale Ale?

[Herb Ninja]

I was sitting around, drinking SNPA(quite a bit), enjoying it very much, and now i'm here and decided to make this thread. Now I know Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is different then Pilsner Urquell, but I was wondering which one you guys prefer. Peace, HN-

[Caffinehog]

Both are great beers, but the urquell gets much more attention to detail in how it's brewed. This results in a very complex, crisp, and delicious beer that is the epitome of czech pilsners. SNPA is just a good pale ale.

[fretlessman71]

I'm an ale guy, and I can't help it, and SN has a special place in my heart, and I don't care HOW good PU is; they get bad marks for using green bottles. SN all the way!

[tjones_jr]

I have a friend, whose horizon's I am trying to broaden. If it's not a fizzy-yellow beer he's drinking, then its a Heinekin, Guiness (at the bar), or Yuengling Lager. However, more and more he is buying SNPA and Urquell to keep in his fridge, so this is very interesting to me that you listed these two beers in your poll. (Herb Ninja...you're real name isn't Jon is it?)

Personally I prefer SNPA, there is more hop aroma and taste especially in the finish. The Urquell reminds me too much of the big-3 beers. Its taste far surpasses those others and if I were to desire the pilsner style, it'd definitley be a first choice.

[Fast_Eddy]

When PU is shipped and stored correctly I'd pick it over most anything.

[Stodbrew]

I'm partial to SN. I like Pilsner Urquell, but Sierra is so much fresher, especially here in CA, that I'd much rather drink that.

[Herb Ninja]

There was a sale on Maui at Safeway, 12 for 12bottles of SNPA so that was cool. I probably would have had to pay 14 for PU, and although its not bad I just don't prefer it as much as SNPA.

(Herb Ninja...you're real name isn't Jon is it?)

Sorry, its not Jon. Peace, HN-

[studentofbeer]

this thread reminds me i need to go find some PU (preferrably a 12 pack or in a cooler i guess to ensure its fresh). i love snpa and its been a long while since i had PU. i voted snpa because its a beverage for any occasion. looking forward to trying PU again tho and see if it lives up to its rep.

[chazwicke]

A very tough question. It depends on many different factors. All the usual ones such as freshness, mood, weather, and the others. I guess i probably drink SNPA a little more frequently and I usually do prefer ales. But there is a time and place for everything and I have experienced PU at its source and it was of course fantastic. I did have a bottle recently at a restraunt (Rosewood Grille in Las Vegas) and it was just dandy. fresh and in good condition. It went well with the lobster. (I did, however, drink plenty of SNPA in the casinos)

[Tweek]

PBR!

[toneyc]

Originally posted by Tweek
PBR!

PBR? Pabst Blue Ribbon? Tweek, no...

I've only had PU a few times, because people keep telling me its great, but I don't much like it. I much prefer SNPA.

:)
Toney.

[TheBeerSnob]

Tough question, but without the benefit of having had a *true* Pilsner Urquel, my choice was the SierraNevaPA, although to be honest, I've never been a big pilsner fan. On good authority from a friend that has been to the Czech Republic, I'm (we're?) missing something.

On the earlier discussion by the smooth-boarded fretlessman71 that said, they get bad marks for using green bottles;
...it would seem to me that one, these "guys" (not literal) are "professionals" (literal) and two, are totally aware of how glass color plays a part in beer storage.

Corona==Clear bottle+light==light struck, distinctly flavored beer (and it's been so long since I've had one--which I believe was skunky--well, the mind gets cloudy...)

vs

Moosehead==Green bottle+light==slightly different light struck with pronounced skunkiness

vs

Rochefort 6,8,10==very dark brown+dark==negligible effect on on what light would add to the profile

vs

opaque+no light==no involvement at all, for all intents and purposes (and can't think of any of the few beers that are in opaque packages other than cans--but know I've had some).

In fact, Mooses Drool, from Big Sky Brewing in Missoula, Montana, can be bought in a spun aluminum (lined, so no metal leaching) container.

I believe we'll see more of this. I know a man that markets a mylar-type foil package for beer. Makes a great package for taking beer on a hike or trip where space is a commodity.

And don't forget cans...although not popular, they do protect against any kind of infiltration by light.

So, aside from blah, blah, blah...I firmly believe that the Pilsner Urquel profile comes from all aspects of its brewing, fermentation and storage.

*true*: Insert contract brewed and/or huge distance shipping for any PU's that I've had, whereas SNPA's are consistently better given the lessend shipping challenges and personal profile preference...

[Herb Ninja]

Welcome to the best real beer discussion board on the net BeerSnob. ;)
I think you'll blend in well. Peace, HN-

[wortchillergoal]

I voted SNPA as I am not a big fan of pilsners. Pherhaps that is the fault of the likes of Bud and Miller. Now, if you had listred a good double bock, my brain cells most probably would have over loaded in that ale vs lager choice.

[tubetek]

Howdy All-
Gotta say I love 'em both!
However, I'd been drinking SN products
for several years, but it was PU that set me on a homebrewing quest to clone it!
I've since approximated both beers and
my tastes have matured along the way; still can't imagine picking one over the other... my.02, YMMV
TT

[Caffinehog]

BAH! :mad: I just got a skunky urquell from the store... the same store I got a good batch from. I'd be willing to bet that 90% of you who don't prefer the urquell have only gotten 'spoiled' lots of it. Getting a fresh one is no easy task.

[chazwicke]

I would agree with that. It seems to be touch and go with PU here in the states. When in optimum condition it is fantastic.

[fretlessman71]

....So you SAY.....;)

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
....So you SAY.....;)

I can say - there several bars around Austin that have PU on tap and it is exceptional. If you happen upon a bar with it on tap you should give it a try.

[steveh]

Geez, I go away from my computer for one day and you guys stir up the whole SNPA/PU controversy again!

Has anyone else tried the two side-by-side? It's an interesting comparison (and one of those dirty thankless jobs) that might surprise a lot of you.

IMHO, these two beers have become quite similar over the years (yes, I did say that), SNPA isn't as strongly hoppy as it was years ago, and PU has become smoother and lighter in its flavor in the last few. They're both light bodied, refreshing beers to be enjoyed in a similar manner.

If I were told that I could have only one of the two at a sitting, I would certainly be riding the horns of a dilemma and have to assess my "beer mood" at that moment - "Am I craving the crisp, citrus taste of Cascade hops with nice biscuit malt back, or some flowery Saaz hops with the smooth and unmistakable inviting malt, melanoidin flavors? Fortunately, these sort of situations never come up, and my bar tender wouldn't make me choose!

Pilsners (and lagers in general) get a bad rap around here due to the American Swillsners tainting perceptions over the years. If you've never tried a good, fresh Pilsner from draft on a hot Summmer afternoon, you're missing one of the most delightfully refreshing beer experiences around.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating a boycott of SNPA in any way, but since the success of that beer I've tasted so many "pretenders" that I've been turned off American Pale Ales for quite some time - but there's nothing like returning to the first - and best.

S.

[steveh]

BTW - a quick observance of the results of the poll yields an interesting and, IMO, more revealing perspective of the members of this forum than which beer may "win" over the other in popularity: there is not one vote for "I don't like either."

Goes to show that we all have great taste in good (real) beer! Some of us just need a little more enlightenment than others. Fret. ;)

S.

[brewmonkey]

I have not had either in several years so I would refrain from commenting on which I prefer. Given the choice of both during an evening I would probably go for the PU as I seem to recall favoring it as it had a slightly maltier flavor then the SNPA and a nice hop balance while SNPA (again it has been at least 2-3 years since I had either) had a slightly sharper/grassy hop character.

[wortchillergoal]

Originally posted by steveh

IMHO, these two beers have become quite similar over the years (yes, I did say that), SNPA isn't as strongly hoppy as it was years ago, and PU has become smoother and lighter in its flavor in the last few. They're both light bodied, refreshing beers to be enjoyed in a similar manner.S.

Do you know this for a fact? If they did change, what did they change? Did SNPA change it's hop rate and PU change it's malt or what?

[Saint Patrick]

Originally posted by wortchillergoal
I voted SNPA as I am not a big fan of pilsners. Pherhaps that is the fault of the likes of Bud and Miller. Now, if you had listred a good double bock, my brain cells most probably would have over loaded in that ale vs lager choice.

Did someome say "Miller" ... ?

[steveh]

Originally posted by wortchillergoal
Do you know this for a fact? If they did change, what did they change? Did SNPA change it's hop rate and PU change it's malt or what?

I'm only basing (my HO) on my tasting experiences. I probably had my first SNPA somewhere around 1988 - and drank quite a lot of it then. I was also a fan of PU because it was so rare to find - especially on draft.

These days I feel that SNPA is more mellow in its hop use - less dry-hopping? I can't say for sure. With Pilsner Urquell, they switched from oak lagering vessels to stainless steel close to 10 years ago, and that's when you could taste a change in the flavor of the beer.

S.

[threecb]

I voted SNPA. I'm more of an ale fan, and it's an awesome session beer.

Now I like a good pilsner, and PU can be very good, but SNPA edges it out.

steveh, do you think that your perception of SNPA mellowing the hop profile can be due to the trend for a lot of other ales to go "hop-to-the-top"? Just a thought, but when you were drinking that in 88, there weren't any real hopmonsters out there. At least by today's standards?

[fretlessman71]

This is a very interesting opinion, as I haven't really noticed a change in SNPA, and I also haven't gone "hop-wild" like so many of my compatriots here on the board. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to go buy a 6er of it tonight!

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
This is a very interesting opinion, as I haven't really noticed a change in SNPA,

How long have you been drinking it Fret?

I haven't ever gone "hop-wild" either, but all of my home-brew friends were hot for the hops in SNPA back when - and they're still hop-heads, but I think they've moved away from SN.

I also once belonged to a beer-of-the-month club that sent me nothing but American Pale Ales for nearly 12 months in a row! I was pretty paled out and through with the club at that point. This is probably a big factor of my staying away from SNPA for quite a while, but when I tried it again recently, it reminded me of the more mellow pale ale they had at the brewery around 1994.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
steveh, do you think that your perception of SNPA mellowing the hop profile can be due to the trend for a lot of other ales to go "hop-to-the-top"? Just a thought, but when you were drinking that in 88, there weren't any real hopmonsters out there. At least by today's standards?

Back then, SNPA was the Hopmonster (I need to create a character to match that moniker!), though PU was also more hoppy than the average beer drinker wanted too - just different hops.

No, there were none of the 90 Minutes or Dreadnaughts back then but (as I noted), just about all of my brewing pals were hop-heads and couldn't get enough - I'm sure this is how the trend spawned.

S.

[fretlessman71]

I've been enjoying it since the early '90s. Maybe that's when they began to mellow out....? (I turned 18 in '89, so I missed out on their early days...)

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
Back then, SNPA was the Hopmonster (I need to create a character to match that moniker!), though PU was also more hoppy than the average beer drinker wanted too - just different hops.

No, there were none of the 90 Minutes or Dreadnaughts back then but (as I noted), just about all of my brewing pals were hop-heads and couldn't get enough - I'm sure this is how the trend spawned.

S.

Back then Bert Grant was making the really hoppy beers as well, but with balance. I was at a tasting that he was the featured brewer back before he sold out. He said he never met a hop that he did not like. He was pushing the envelope he thought with some beers having 45 IBUs.

[wortchillergoal]

Someone on another thread said that the people at SN were very helpful and friendly. Should we ask them if they changed the hop character?

[steveh]

Originally posted by wortchillergoal
Someone on another thread said that the people at SN were very helpful ...

They also told Wiz that they'd never bottled their Bock beer before, but at least 3 of us remember it from back when. Point being, who knows how many people have come and gone at SN, and how's their record base?

Anyone know the name of the head brewer? Is it the same person as 10 or 15 years ago?

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Back then Bert Grant was making the really hoppy beers as well, but with balance.

I always forget about ol' Bert's beers - probably because I don't see them as often any more. I think his was the first micro-brewed IPA I ever tried.

S.

[chazwicke]

I think he may have passed away. I know he sold out and I don't see his beers very much anymore either.

Anyone know anything about Bert Grant or the Grant's beers?

[Stodbrew]

[i]Originally posted by steveh

Anyone know the name of the head brewer? Is it the same person as 10 or 15 years ago?

S. [/B]

Sierra Nevada head brewe is Steve Dressler. He's been around SN for a very long time.

[Stodbrew]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I think he may have passed away. I know he sold out and I don't see his beers very much anymore either.

Anyone know anything about Bert Grant or the Grant's beers?


Unfortunatley, Bert did pass away a few years ago. I believe the brewery is still around, but I don't see their beer around much, either.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Stodbrew
Sierra Nevada head brewe is Steve Dressler. He's been around SN for a very long time.

Do you know him (professionally or personally)? Do you think he'd answer our questions?

S.

And yeah, Bert Grant did pass away a few years ago, but the brewery is still in production: http://www.grants.com/

[TheBeerSnob]

Thanks for the welcome.

I like the community that I see developing here. At an earlier day and time, I was a member on a board that I would only BA at this point. I found the tight-fisted, closed-minded Stalinistic ownership unfriendly and ridiculously rule bound.

Agree to disagree, but I've only got my opinion. Backed by a beer or two. Or was that three? Hmm, let me think about that over a beer...

Great group, though. Look forward to sharing my beer-death experiences with fellow quaffers.

-TBS

I consume, therefore I...I'll have another beer.

[steveh]

Originally posted by TheBeerSnob
I like the community that I see developing here.

Developing? I think we're about ready to proclaim our own nation! :D

Hail, Hail, Beerdonia!

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by TheBeerSnob
Thanks for the welcome.

I like the community that I see developing here. At an earlier day and time, I was a member on a board that I would only BA at this point. I found the tight-fisted, closed-minded Stalinistic ownership unfriendly and ridiculously rule bound.

Agree to disagree, but I've only got my opinion. Backed by a beer or two. Or was that three? Hmm, let me think about that over a beer...

Great group, though. Look forward to sharing my beer-death experiences with fellow quaffers.

-TBS

I consume, therefore I...I'll have another beer.

I know it has been said before but this forum is the best I have been to and there are many very knowlegeable and friendly folks here. We all deserve a pat on the back. One of my favorite things here is when a thread gets really passionate such as the Cask Ale or Smoking issues. And I often find it enjoyable to see just how far off the original thread topic postings can get. The best thing is the exchange of information and the friendly manner in which everyone relates to each other even though there are differing opinions. You all are a great bunch!

[fretlessman71]

Yes! I agree... I expected death threats by now for some of the things I've said. What a killer group of folks you are! (Well... not THAT killer... ;))

[skahtboi]

*sniff,sniff* Can you feel the love, people??? :D

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Yes! I agree... I expected death threats by now for some of the things I've said..

What? Didn't you get them? Now you have me wondering where I sent them!:D

[chazwicke]

I had an excellent PU with dinner tonight. It was on tap.

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I had an excellent PU with dinner tonight. It was on tap.

I wish that everyone on here that has never had a "good" PU could find one. When you get hold of a good one it's joyfully obvious why PU has been around for sooo long.

[chazwicke]

Agreed! I passed up Fordham Oyster Stout and several Old Dominion beers for it.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I had an excellent PU with dinner tonight. It was on tap.

,,,but what meal did you pair it with?

S.

[chazwicke]

It was my nephew's 11 birthday dinner and he chose a chicken wing restraunt. They have about 30 different ways to have chicken wings (Different spices from Cajun , Jamaican, Old Bay, Bar-b-que, Honey, Ranch and all degrees of spicy to extremely hot.) They did have several beers on tap. I figured that with the spices and greasy wings I better go with something a bit lighter than the Oyster Stout which I have had at their Annapolis brewery and found to be wonderful. The PU was consumed before the meal even arrived as it was so delectable.

[steveh]

Sounds like a good choice to wash down the spice - also sounds like a second could have been in order!

S.

[chazwicke]

CONGRATS!!! Your in the 1000 club now!
Way to go Steveh!

[threecb]

congrats, steve!

[steveh]

Thanks (I think), but does it count if I didn't even notice? :P

S.

[threecb]

oh, it counts, like it or not!:p

[chazwicke]

Yep you may even find it to be a curse.

[wortchillergoal]

I will pass along my congrats to steveh too. Yet Fret makes it sound like hitting 1000 means your life needs help. I could use help like that.

[TheBeerSnob]

Flinging this thread equally far afield, "whoop, whoop" to steveh hitting the big 4 digit threshold.


-Snobbish, but humbled...

[Herb Ninja]

Congrats on 1000 people. Now you have to drink one beer for every post after 1000. ;) Peace, HN-

[chazwicke]

Ohmygod!! Well maybe that should be a requirement. You start sending a different beer for each post and I will drink it. Deal? LOL:D

[Herb Ninja]

I got a 6-pack of Pilsner Urquell tonight, ran out of SNPA last night. It seems to be in good condition, thankfully. I am enjoying it, making the two different beers even closer to even in my mind. Basically, these are two decent affordable beers. Peace, HN-

[steveh]

Originally posted by Herb Ninja
Congrats on 1000 people. Now you have to drink one beer for every post after 1000. Peace, HN-

I think I have - retroactively! In fact, to match the beers, I really need to start posting more! :D

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Herb Ninja
I got a 6-pack of Pilsner Urquell tonight, ran out of SNPA last night. It seems to be in good condition, thankfully. I am enjoying it, making the two different beers even closer to even in my mind. Basically, these are two decent affordable beers. Peace, HN-

And there you have it. My point all along, enjoy (both brews, that is)!

S.

[threecb]

I gotta say, with all of this pilsner talk, I've been drinking more of the style lately. This weekend's choice was Victory Prima Pils decanted into my favorite pilsner glass. An excellent choice, and i'm going to stick with pilsner for the Superbowl later.

[dennis3951]

SNPA is the beer i keep a cold case of at home. PU i find is great on tap but bottled it always seems to have turned . There are a number of American craft brewed pilsners that i think are better than PU, Brooklyn for one,Prima pils from Victory is another.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by threecb
I gotta say, with all of this pilsner talk, I've been drinking more of the style lately. This weekend's choice was Victory Prima Pils decanted into my favorite pilsner glass. An excellent choice, and i'm going to stick with pilsner for the Superbowl later.

I'm not sure what I'll be drinking yet.

[studentofbeer]

this weekend both i took the challenge-- bought 12 snpa and 12 PU. I had some sat night and also during the superbowl.

snpa was the hands-down winner for me.

not that PU is not an excellent beer, but I don't love the lager style. I prefer the tang and fruitiness of an ale to the round clean feeling of a lager.

My girlfriend (who is not at all into beer) took a sip of my PU and was like, "you don't drink beer like this. it almost tastes like nothing."

And she's right i usually dont drink beer like that, although i definitely don't agree it tastes like nothing. The taste was clean and well balanced (tho i wouldn't have minded some more saaz hopiness).

It was a fun little test, but snpa gets the win.

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
And she's right i usually dont drink beer like that, although i definitely don't agree it tastes like nothing. The taste was clean and well balanced (tho i wouldn't have minded some more saaz hopiness).

How cold was the P.U? That would definitely stunt subtle flavors. I tried the comparison 2 nights in a row, starting with one before the other each time and it's interesting how each one will bring out different flavors in the other. For example, if you take a drink of P.U. first, then SNPA, the malts of the SN (yes, there are malts in SNPA) really stand out!

Have your GF taste a Miller Lite next to a P.U., then see how flavorless it isn't.

It was a fun little test, but snpa gets the win.

Yeah, there was a time when I was an ale snob too! ;)

S.

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by steveh
How cold was the P.U? That would definitely stunt subtle flavors. I tried the comparison 2 nights in a row, starting with one before the other each time and it's interesting how each one will bring out different flavors in the other. For example, if you take a drink of P.U. first, then SNPA, the malts of the SN (yes, there are malts in SNPA) really stand out!

Have your GF taste a Miller Lite next to a P.U., then see how flavorless it isn't.



Yeah, there was a time when I was an ale snob too!

S.

It's funny - PU is the second most controversial thing on this board ;)

[chazwicke]

And I do not understand the PU controversy. When it is fresh it is excellent.
I have had bad bottles but bad bottles would be bad of any beer.
I like Steveh's idea of having the GF try it next to miller lite.

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by chazwicke
...
I like Steveh's idea of having the GF try it next to miller lite.

The contrast may cause the taster to have some sort of synaptic overload.

[chazwicke]

Congrats on the 800!

[studentofbeer]

Originally posted by steveh
For example, if you take a drink of P.U. first, then SNPA, the malts of the SN (yes, there are malts in SNPA) really stand out!


yeah drinking an snpa after a PU really did make the malt stand out, it was cool.

I probably was drinking PU a little colder than I should have for tasting (though probably about what was right for the style-- i always think of drinking pilsners slightly colder than my ales).

as for the girlfriend, what does she know, she doesn't like beer. Tho she did drink one of her pyramid apricot beers during the game. Not to reignite a flame-fest from another post, but I'd prefer not to invite miller lite into my home if i can avoid it ;) i think she was just suprised by the general lack of bitterness (what she says she hates about beer)

Yep, still an ale snob. Maybe a trip to Germany could help clear things up....

[Herb Ninja]

Originally posted by studentofbeer

snpa was the hands-down winner for me.

not that PU is not an excellent beer, but I don't love the lager style. I prefer the tang and fruitiness of an ale to the round clean feeling of a lager.

My girlfriend (who is not at all into beer) took a sip of my PU and was like, "you don't drink beer like this. it almost tastes like nothing."

And she's right i usually dont drink beer like that, although i definitely don't agree it tastes like nothing. The taste was clean and well balanced (tho i wouldn't have minded some more saaz hopiness).

It was a fun little test, but snpa gets the win.

Yes, after that 6-pack of PU I decided I liked SNPA better.
1) SNPA has more malt/alcohol.
2) "I prefer the tang and fruitiness of an ale to the round clean feeling of a lager."
I agree about the tang and fruitiness. Peace, HN-

[hops99]

Yeah, I'd give the edge to SNPA over PU too, but there are several lagers out there that I WOULD choose over SNPA, if forced to pick, like:

Spaten Optimator
Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold
Great Lakes Eliot Ness
Capital Amber
Capital Autumnal Fire
Capital Winter Skal
Altenmunster Oktoberfest
(or any other traditional German Okto)

Just to name a few...

[Herb Ninja]

Out of all those beers you listed hops99 the only one ive tried is Spaten Optimator, which I agree is better then SNPA, being so dark and malty though its very hard for me the accept its a lager, even though it is. Peace, HN-

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
i always think of drinking pilsners slightly colder than my ales).

Slightly colder than ales, yes - but not refrigerator cold as Swilsners need to be. The Pils I've sampled in Germany were definitely cooler than Cask Ales, but not to the point of ice-cold.



... i think she was just suprised by the general lack of bitterness (what she says she hates about beer)

I work with a girl who told me she hated bitterness in beer - then turned around and ordered an IPA at the brew-pub we were in! Turns out that she was confusing hop bitterness with roasted bitterness.

Yep, still an ale snob. Maybe a trip to Germany could help clear things up....

Always good for the soul! (notice I refrained from saying, "Always good for what ales you."?) ;)

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Fast_Eddy
It's funny - PU is the second most controversial thing on this board ;)

Controversial seems like an awfully strong word - not as though we're discussing politics and religion here, earth shaking subjects. Hmm, then again...

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by hops99
Yeah, I'd give the edge to SNPA over PU too, but there are several lagers out there that I WOULD choose over SNPA, if forced to pick, like:

Spaten Optimator
Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold
Great Lakes Eliot Ness
Capital Amber
Capital Autumnal Fire
Capital Winter Skal
Altenmunster Oktoberfest
(or any other traditional German Okto)

Just to name a few...

Congrats on passing 200!

[skahtboi]

Must

[skahtboi]

post

[skahtboi]

more!!!

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by steveh
Controversial seems like an awfully strong word - not as though we're discussing politics and religion here, earth shaking subjects. Hmm, then again...

S.

Hehe - yeah I stand by my choice of words ;)

[Summer]

Had to pick PU, 'cause I've never tasted SNPA. I don't think it's available in Finland... But I've often wondered about it, many people here seem to like SNPA so much. I just gotta have one someday!!

But PU is great served cold on a hot summer day;)

J.

[toneyc]

Dangit, y'all are gonna make me buy a twelve pack of this stuff simply because it is in a cardboard box, protected from the light, just to find out that I still don't like it. I guess I could give the rest to Fast_Eddy...

:)
Toney.

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by toneyc
Dangit, y'all are gonna make me buy a twelve pack of this stuff simply because it is in a cardboard box, protected from the light, just to find out that I still don't like it. I guess I could give the rest to Fast_Eddy...

:)
Toney.

Toney,

Just go downtown and have it on tap. It's better that way anyhow.

If you find any of the cardboarded 12 packs - puh-leeze let me know where.

-Eddy

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
The taste was clean and well balanced (tho i wouldn't have minded some more saaz hopiness).

Tried the comparison in a different method last night - had the SNPA first, then the PU - man, did the Saaz in the PU really stand out. Tonight I'll swap the order around, PU first.

When I compared the first time I poured the two beers side-by-side to compare all aspects.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Summer But PU is great served cold on a hot summer day;)

Golden Pheasant fits that need well too (though not too cold!).

S.

[Luther]

OK...I saw this post and had not tried PU.

Coming home from work the other day I slid into the Party Factory on Stateline(my supplier) and bought a sixer of each. Pilsner was $7.49 and SNPA $7.49.

Got home and drank both...damn it's hard to make a choice.

I'll get two more six packs tomorrow and decide for sure.



:D

but my answer is..I liked the PU but SNPA is like an old buddy...

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by steveh
Tried the comparison in a different method last night - had the SNPA first, then the PU - man, did the Saaz in the PU really stand out. Tonight I'll swap the order around, PU first.

When I compared the first time I poured the two beers side-by-side to compare all aspects.

S.

It does my heart good to see such dedication to beer!!!:D

[steveh]

Originally posted by skahtboi
It does my heart good to see such dedication to beer!!!

See Luther above, poor guy has to get 2 more sixers to decide! It's a dirty, thankless job, but somebody's got to do it! :D

Anyone wanna put down bets that Luther's gonna need a few more trips to the Party Factory to make his decision?

I tried the PU first, SNPA second last night. Drinking the PU first seems to stunt your taste buds to the hopiness of SNPA and bring out its toasty, biscuit malt flavor. The balance of hops to light malts in the two beers is so similar and smooth - I may have to visit the Party Factory again myself...

S.

[Summer]

Originally posted by steveh
Golden Pheasant fits that need well too (though not too cold!).S.

Have to try that if I find it in Finland!! And maybe I can create a "HOT Summer" -day (or night) in the middle of winter... HeHee :D Sorry, I'm on a weird mood tonight...

Summer

[toneyc]

OK, I did it this weekend. I bought a 12-pack of SNPA and a 12-pack of PU. I must say that I am pleasantly suprised and that I now understand how people can compare the two. Prior to this, I had never had PU from a box, protected from the light. It has always had a sharp skunky taste and smell to it, just like every Heineken and Grolsch that I've ever had. I figured it was supposed to taste that way. Now I know better. From now on, I will always buy it in the box. Thanks, guys!

:)
Toney.

[Beaver]

I'll have to find a box of PU to try sometime. I've tried it before in a 6'er and it was definitely somewhat skunky.

[Beaver]

BTW, it makes me laugh every time I see PU and then skunky in the same sentence. :)

[barley ben]

I'll deffinately have to pick up a 12 pack myself. I have had good and bad PU.

PU is skunky...

well sometimes. Just felt like making Beaver laugh.

See if it's even better than the good ones I've had. I realy gotta have it on tap sometime.

[Beaver]

LOL, thanks Ben! :)

How common is PU on tap in the US? I don't recall ever seeing it on tap.

[barley ben]

I've never seen it but I remember someone saying they had it. Chaz possibly? I've been keeping my eye out but nothing yet.

[skahtboi]

I can get both PU and SNPA on tap at my favorite local pub. All in all, I know of a half dozen places that have PU draught. This is in the small country burgs of North Texas.

[hops99]

It should start to become much more common, I would think, now that Miller has their hands on it.

[barley ben]

It should start to become much more common, I would think, now that Miller has their hands on it.

OK, did I really miss something here. Call me stupid if ya want but what are you talking about?

[steveh]

It's not Miller that owns P.U., but the big conglomo that owns both - SABMiller. South African Brewing, which bought Miller, which is buying up other breweries such as P.U. - yes, be afraid, be very afraid.

Also, P.U. has been available on tap in and around Chicago for quite some time now, five or six years at least.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by toneyc
I must say that I am pleasantly suprised and that I now understand how people can compare the two.

Another disciple in the crusade of good lagers is born! Spread the word far and wide my brother, lager doesn't need to be synonomous with mass-market swill!

S.

Glad you found some fresh Urquell ;)

[hops99]

OK, did I really miss something here. Call me stupid if ya want but what are you talking about?

Yep, Steveh nailed the answer. I read a business article back in September that outlined Miller's domestic strategy to heavily market PU in 2004, which included an emphasis on tripling the distribution nationwide. Miller was planning on a series of television ads as well, and the lead slogan was going to be "the pilsner that invented pilsners".

So for all you purists out there, beware. I don't think we're that far off from a Miller/PU commercial showing a bevy of Czech babes and football.

On the other hand, increasing awareness for PU is certainly not a bad thing...

[steveh]

Originally posted by hops99
So for all you purists out there, beware. I don't think we're that far off from a Miller/PU commercial showing a bevy of Czech babes and football.

I'd say that they may show the college girls collecting ripe hops at harvest time in Bohemia - in their shorts and bikini tops - but the idea of showing more than one bushel-full of hops may scare the Miller brewers! ;)

S.

[threecb]

Originally posted by hops99

So for all you purists out there, beware. I don't think we're that far off from a Miller/PU commercial showing a bevy of Czech babes and football.


Czech babes? Wouldn't it be hockey?!? :D