Lager Quest
So here’s the thing: alI I want to drink lately is malty lagers. So that’s what I am going to do. Because I am a grown up, I get to make my own damn decisions.
I started off my quest for lager perfection with Buoy’s Czech-style Pilsner. As we all know, Pilsen in Czechia is the birthplace of Pilsner. The golden colored lagers born in Bohemia went on to inform the world’s most popular brands. Hell, Budweiser stole its whole steez from a tiny brewery in Budvar – even the stupid “king of beers” thing.
Czech pilsner is distinguished from German pilsner – and American, I guess – in a few small ways. Czech pilsner is hoppier and the flavor comes from native Saaz hops. German pilsner tastes cleaner, more refined. Czech pilsners are boiled longer for a more caramelized fullness.
The brewers at Buoy got the hops right for sure. Saaz adds a spiciness, but also a subtle floral scent. The body is a perfect balance of fullness and balance. Buoy’s Pilsner isn’t as rustic as a Pilsner Urquell with it’s noticeable buttery flavor, but it’s definitely edgier than the perfectly coiffed northern versions.