steveh
06-29-2004, 05:49 PM
Capital Special Pilsner, Lakefront Klisch Pilsner Beer, New Glarus Brewing Edel Pils, and as a control - Dinkel-Acker Pils from Stüttgart.
All poured clear and golden with nearly identical white heads - the three samples from Wisconsin being slightly closer to cream in color. In an order from straw to deep gold, with shades of amber, the beers rank: Dinkel-Acker, New Glarus, Capital, Lakefront.
D.A. has the most hop (Saaz) aroma, followed by Lakefront, and Capital. New Glarus has a mild crystal malt nose.
D.A has that nice Saaz hop to Munich malt flavor balance so characteristic of a German Pils - and the only beer of the group with pronounced melanoidins. Capital has a nice, clean balance of mildly citrus hops to crystal malts. Lakefront was similarly balanced with a very fresh hop flavor. New Glarus has the most mellow flavor with lightly tangy citrus hops, followed by smooth crystal malt.
All four beers had light to medium bodies with smooth mouth-feels, the D.A. being the most effervescent and the N.G. being very creamy.
All were very clean and subtle and quite refreshing - all following style, yet retaining their own unique personalities. That "true Pilsner," Miller Lite, could take some lessons in character from these distant cousins.
Of note is that the first six-pack of Capital I bought was past prime and seemed its malt flavors had turned very caramel and the body very thick. The New Glarus may have been near expiration as well, taking on some sour flavor tones as the beer warmed. None of the labels carry freshness or drink-by dates - though the Dinkel-Acker is, more than likely, pasteurized.
All of these beers are highly recommended as good examples of the German Pils style - provided you can be assured of freshness.
S.
All poured clear and golden with nearly identical white heads - the three samples from Wisconsin being slightly closer to cream in color. In an order from straw to deep gold, with shades of amber, the beers rank: Dinkel-Acker, New Glarus, Capital, Lakefront.
D.A. has the most hop (Saaz) aroma, followed by Lakefront, and Capital. New Glarus has a mild crystal malt nose.
D.A has that nice Saaz hop to Munich malt flavor balance so characteristic of a German Pils - and the only beer of the group with pronounced melanoidins. Capital has a nice, clean balance of mildly citrus hops to crystal malts. Lakefront was similarly balanced with a very fresh hop flavor. New Glarus has the most mellow flavor with lightly tangy citrus hops, followed by smooth crystal malt.
All four beers had light to medium bodies with smooth mouth-feels, the D.A. being the most effervescent and the N.G. being very creamy.
All were very clean and subtle and quite refreshing - all following style, yet retaining their own unique personalities. That "true Pilsner," Miller Lite, could take some lessons in character from these distant cousins.
Of note is that the first six-pack of Capital I bought was past prime and seemed its malt flavors had turned very caramel and the body very thick. The New Glarus may have been near expiration as well, taking on some sour flavor tones as the beer warmed. None of the labels carry freshness or drink-by dates - though the Dinkel-Acker is, more than likely, pasteurized.
All of these beers are highly recommended as good examples of the German Pils style - provided you can be assured of freshness.
S.