Beer of the Month: Moab Pilsner

Beer Name: Pilsner
Brewery: Moab Brewery

ABV: 4%
Serving Style: 16-oz. can

Right about now, the wishy-washy spring weather should be in the past, so we can get flip-flop- and sandal-deep into summertime. With temperatures rising, we feel it fitting to showcase a classic beer style built for the season, the pilsner. (To be honest, a pilsner is a great beer all year long, so please don’t get us wrong when we associate it with the hotter months.)

In our time, some of the most respected craft figures have often told us not only how historically important the pilsner is but, also, how it is still a commonly favorite style. Originating in the 1800s, a pilsner is a pale lager brewed with cold-fermenting yeast. This technique is used to slow down the fermentation, which stewards the beer’s clear transparency along with its lifespan on the shelf. The light brew is often associated with macro breweries and thus took some bruising during the craft beer boom within the last eight–10 years or so. Brewers are pushing experimental beers to the extreme. We do have to say, it is essential to explore new worlds while maintaining a solid historical foundation, and a pilsner is a nice fallback when the ropes begin to twist. Something about going back to the basics offers a nice rebalance. For every hoppy IPA, we enjoy two or more clean, refreshing lagers. Usually brewed at a sessionable ABV, a pilsner is crushable on a hot day.

Description:

Moab Brewery’s Pilsner is a fine example of the notable style. Pilsner comes in a bumblebee-jacketed, yellow-and-black, 16-ounce tall-boy can. We poured a cold one into a larger, nonic pint because we needed additional space to accommodate the extra four ounces that Moab graciously provides. The time-consuming lagering process allows the beer to pour a liquid with such clarity that it contrasts the process with its simplicity. This brew looks similar to the reflection of bright sunshine on gold. A bubbling, white head tops the glass, retreating quickly and leaving foam grasping to stay afloat. As with most minimally hoppy beers, the aroma is a balanced, musky-sweet. It isn’t the floral scent that you’re used to from an IPA. Get this beer nice and chilled, and you will be rewarded with a sharp, crisp mouthfeel, showcasing the kilned malt and teasing hops. It’s a nod to the beers of yesteryear with flavors of warmed biscuit and citrus with a hint of bitter spice.

Overview:

The number of pilsners continues to grow as demand for the style urges the production. It seems that the more the old-school style is integrated, the further it gains footing in the community. We are firm believers that all breweries should have a fine pilsner on draft. A pils is the perfect complement to any lineup of beers. Now and then, it’s nice to sit down, enjoy a beer or two and not overthink it. Moab’s Pilsner is easy to drink. It can easily be used as a gateway beer for someone just getting started in to the world of craft beer, perfect for a BBQ, sunning on the patio, mowing the lawn or hiking to Delicate Arch (the one on many Utah license plates). If you’re not near the beautiful red rock destination, this pilsner should be easily found in local convenience and grocery stores. Pick some up. We are sure to see this style make a push for comeback kid of the year.

Cheers!