Top 10 Pilsners Every Beer Connoisseur Should Try

Before discussing the Top 10 Pilsners of All Time, we need to understand what characteristics define a pilsner as distinct from other beers. The name "pilsner" comes from a brewery in the city of Pilsen of the Czech Republic where brewers began experimenting with the Bavarian style of brewing around 1842. This Bavarian style is a type of lager which means that the yeast sinks to the bottom of the cask while fermenting and prefers cooler temperatures and longer fermentation times. By comparison, ales are brewed using strains of yeast which float to the top of the cask and require less fermentation time than lagers. Although lagers require more fermentation time and better temperature control, they have the advantage of a longer shelf-life and being less likely to spoil during transportation. The beer quickly gained popularity throughout Europe, particularly because it was less likely to spoil as it was transported across the continent.

Today, the term "pilsner" covers a wide variety of lagers which includes several sub categories such as the American Pilsner, Czech Pilsner, Imperial Pilsner, etc. The word "pilsner" may also be spelled "pilsener", "pilzner", or simply "pils" for short. The modern pilsners, true to the original Czech recipe, typically are defined by the taste of the Saaz noble hops and are light golden in color and without any cloudiness.

Now lets talk about the top 10 pilsners of all time by my examination. We will not only consider the traditional criteria for beer judgment (ie: taste, mouth feel, color and smell), but We will also consider their availability and price within the US and Canada....my point is to recommend the top 10 pilsners that my readers will reasonably have a chance to taste without having to travel the world. On to the ranking....

1. Unplugged Bohemian Lager, New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Wisconsin

Although New Glarus, Wisconsin is known for its predominantly Swiss heritage, they make a fantastic traditional Czech Pilsner. At the time of writing, it is the second highest rated Czech Pilsener (world wide) by members of BeerAdvocate with 99 independent reviews. The Unplugged Lager has a fantastic hops aroma from the moment the bottle is opened. The taste is excellent with a little sweetness and a little stronger hops which is characteristic of German and Swiss pilseners made in the Czech style. Mouth feel and carbonation levels are perfect. This pilsner is widely available, particularly in the Midwest.

The New Glarus Brewery also has free self guided tours. If you should visit the brewery I strongly recommend you also try their Wisconsin Belgian Red Ale and the Raspberry Tart Ale which happen to be rated #1 and #2 world wide by BeerAdvocate, in the fruit beer category, with almost 1000 independent reviews!

2. Okocim Beer, Browar Okocim (Okocim Brewery) in Brzesko, Poland

Okocim calls their beer a German Pilsner and rightly so as it has a relatively strong taste of hops and a thicker mouthfeel than many pilsners. People who are used to the American style of pilseners might find the hops a little more than they would prefer, but people who enjoy more hoppy beers such as pale ales, barelywines, IPA's etc. will find that this pilsener stand out above others.

Okocim is one of the oldest breweries in Poland and is now owned by Carlsberg Brewing Group. They also make a fantastically rich porter.

3. Rogue Morimoto Imperial Pilsner, Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport, Oregon

All of Rogue's beers are well made, and their Imperial Pilsner is no different. From the first taste you will realize that this beer is substantially different from the traditional Czech style pilsner. Its made with French Pilsner malts, and traditional Czech Pils Yeast, but the big difference is the use Sterling Hops instead of the usual Saaz hops. Its distinctly malty and bitter, not to mention that at 8.8% ABV, it's contains substantially more alcohol than most pilsners.

Rogue's beers have a history of winning many awards and the Morimoto Imperial Pilsner has particularly won many awards for its unique bottle design. Also try their Hazelnut Brown Ale, Imperial Stout, and Smoke Ale if you have a chance.

4. Pilsner Urquell, Plzensky Prazdroj (Fountain Head at Pilsen Brewery), Czech Republic

Pilsner Urquell is a relatively average pilsner as far as taste, mouthfeel, and smell, BUT there are some important reasons why it's one of the top 10. First of all this is the original pilsner from which all other pils were ultimately derived. It was at this brewery that the first pilsner was made in October of 1842 and the recipe has changed little since. Secondly it's widely available and inexpensive by comparison to other imported pilsners. Third, many people believe it is one of the best pilseners-infact it was voted "Beer of the year" at the Helsinki Beer Festival and it has had almost 1000 reviews on BeerAdvocate. If you're interested in beer, you need to try this beer just to get a taste of the origins of the pilsner. Although it's only a little above average to drink, it is historically one of the most important beers in the world and belongs on the list of the top 10 pilsners of all time.

5. Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, California

Although Sierra Nevada is famous for their hoppier pale ale, this is an excellent pilsener and was a Gold Medal Winner in the 1999 California State Fair. It has a rich cider like color when poured into a glass and has little hops aroma. This beer is widely available during the summer months and usually is very inexpensive considering the quality. With light hops and subtle malt flavors, this beer definitely leans close to the Czech style pilsener using Saaz and Perle hops.

6. Polestar Pilsner, Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont, Colorado

Polestar is a classic German Pilsner. Left Hand's light beers all have a fresh crisp taste which is particularly refreshing. Following the German style it has a hint of sweetness, but also has lighter hops more similar to a Czech Pilsner. This is a good example of the basic pilsner and is a great companion for grilling on a hot summer day.

7. Warsteiner Premium Verum, Warsteiner Brauerei in Warstein, Germany

This is another great example of a Pilsner. Although Warsteiner lists it as a German Pilsner, it is arguably much closer to a Czech Pilsner. This beer is widely available and almost any decently stocked liquor or grocery store will likely have it. It can be readily purchased in the bottle, can, or even in mini kegs at. Much like the Polestar above, this is a classic example of the style. Also try their dunkel beer.

8. Prima Pils, Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Prima Pils is a solid example of a German Pilsner with much greater than average hops. The character of this one might be a little too much for some who are shy of hops. This beer is also interesting in that many people prefer the taste from the bottle rather than getting it on tap. It has over 1000 independent reviews on BeerAdvocate and was given an "A+" by beer critic, Jason Alström.

9. Reality Czech, Moonlight Brewing Company in Fulton, California

Has a great crisp Czech Pilsener smell and warm straw color. Taste is typical with a light Saaz hops flavor. Particularly light and refreshing as far as beer goes. This is another good one to enjoy in the summer.

10. Live Oak Pilz, Live Oak Brewing Company in Austin, Texas

Pleasant level of hoppiness and a light malt flavor. Unfortunately this one is only available on tap or in growlers, but the company is steadily growing so that might change. Nice body and full mouth feel. Primarily made with Czech ingredients to try and recreate the classic pilsner. Try it on tap around the Austin area.