Staropramen

So I'm not typically a pilsner fan. But when I asked the barmaid at one of my favorite hangouts to suggest a beer I most likely had not tried, she was more than happy to suggest Staropramen Pilsner Lager for me. I thought 'great...I've done the Czech pilsner thing before (Pilsner Urquell).'

However, I took her up on her suggestion, and was pleasantly rewarded. Served relatively cold, as most pilsners are, this particular lager had a rich, warm character to it. While still having the characteristic pilsner bite, I discovered that it was nicely balanced by the complexity of flavor the czech hops gave. Slight hints of melon and lemon were found, along with that classic european hops flavor.

One of the complaints I often hear is that european pilsners are skunkish. This is not a 'stinky' beer. For someone looking to transition from our favorite domestics (riiight...), this would be a great place to start. Full flavored, not too weird, and good enough to make you wonder what else is out there.

From their website:

Traditional Czech brewing methods are used in the brewing of Staropramen. Staropramen uses a special blend of natural Czech ingredients. Bohemian barley and Zatec (Saatzer) hops have been used to produce Czech beer for hundreds of years.

When you take a sip of our pale lager, you will surely appreciate its natural "bite." Consistent and sufficient fermentation give Staropramen a full- bodied, pleasantly smooth taste with a thirst quenching finish known as RIZ or "just right." a rich head of foam, and deep golden colour.

I'm not sure that I could have stated it better.

Staropramen is brewed by Pivovary Staropramen a.s., and as of 2000, is actually owned by InBev, who also owns Stella Artois and Becks, among others. Founded in 1869, Staropramen is one of Prague's most popular beers, served in over 800 locations within the city. They are also the Czech Republic's third biggest brewery.

Staropramen Pilsner Lager

Character: 17 - A unique pilsner with a complexity of hops and fruit that will please the palate.
Exclusivity: 18 - while popular in eastern Europe, I've not seen it too many places here in the US. Certainly less popular than other imported macrobrews, such as becks or warsteiner, or Pilsner Urquell.
Flavor: 16 - Still a pilsner, although a good one. This left no hint of a cheap beer after each sip, and the flavor continued to unravel itself as I made my way through the bottle.
Originality: 18 - one of Czech Republic's original brews, and from my experience, unique in its construction.
Versatility: 20 - I can't place a season or an event to this one. You'd be perfectly comfortable slamming (I mean enjoying) one of these before a ball game as you would at a wedding.

Total: 89 of 100

Beer: Staropramen
Alcoholic Content: 5% ABV
Brewed by Pivovary Staropramen, Smichov, Czech Republic
Czech Style Pilsner Lager
Reviewed by: Jameson Huckaba