Beer Stats:

Packaging: 12 oz. can

BJCP Style: Czech Pilsner

ABV: 5.2%

Hops Variety: Mosaic, Cascade

Malts Variety:  Pilsner Malt

Brewery:  Atlanta Brewing Co. – Atlanta, GA

Beer Connoisseur Rating:  None

LUDB Notes:

• Bitterness Level: Restrained
• Drinkability:
  • Would I purchase again? Yes
  • Would I stock it? No
• Comments/Characteristics: Americanized Czech Pilsner.  Good choice for an American Pale Ale or IPA fan wanted to try a similar type lager.

What makes a great Czech Pilsner? The measuring stick is Pilsner Urquell and that is a pretty exact benchmark to shoot for.  It is quite a challenge to replicate because the makeup of the soil where the hops and malts are grown lend itself to certain characteristics.  More importantly, if you are trying to tightly replicate the style, the soft water profile needs to be accounted for.  When comparing Czech Pilsners made here in the United States to Pilsner Urquell, you have to keep those details in mind.  I recently tried Atlanta Brewing Co.’s Homestead Pilsner; which bills itself as a Bohemian (Czech) Pilsner, but decided to put their own spin on the style.

Right from the onset you can tell Atlanta Brewing Co. used 100% Pilsner Malt, which is one of the most pale colored barley malt available, resulting in Homestand pouring out a very pale, clear straw color.  Notably, it clouds up after sitting for about 5 – 10 minutes; the hallmark of bottle conditioning.  Fast rising bubbles provide a fluffy, lengthy white head.

I  dubbed Homestand an Americanized Czech Pilsner because the Mosiac and Cascade hops provide a citrus aroma that you do not find in Urquell or most Czech Pilsner styles.  Typical mild grainy malt aroma is present.  Bitterness is present, yet restrained; giving the beer a good balance.  Malt taste is mildly sweet.  Homestand has a semi-dry, short finish.  Carbonation is light on the palate.

Bottom line:  Atlanta Brewing Co., whether they intended to or not, created a fusion between Czech Pilsner and an American Pale Ale or IPA.  You just don’t expect to get the citrusy aromas and flavors from a Czech Pilsner.  It is a nice change of pace pilsner; however, if you are looking an American made Czech Pilsner, you may be disappointed.  If you are a beer lover who prefers American Pale Ale or lower bitterness IPAs, but want to try a similar type lager, Homestand is a great choice for you.  I liked it and have had it on draft occasionally at a favorite local restaurant called Cue Barbecue here in the North Atlanta suburbs.  It pairs well with barbecue of all types.

Thank you for reading and until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!