Brooklyn and Pilsner

Brooklyn and Pilsner ... I don't get it?

Yup, that's just what I said. But "get it" is what you can and should do. Get it and try it. I am of course referring to the Brooklyn Brewery's "Brooklyn Pilsner". This is a solid and tasty brew. True to the style it is sunshine yellow with a fluffy white head, has a sweet floral hop aroma and a balanced yet spicy profile that is not as bracing as a hoppy Pale Ale nor is it bland and insipid like a big brewery "Pilsner Wannabee." (Miller Lite - a "True Pilsner Beer"...Yeah right whatever you say Madison Avenue.) While we are on a Pilsner kick, I'd like to suggest you also try Victory Brewing's "Prima Pils." A superior interpretation of the style as well, though a bit hoppier than the Brooklyn, it is another refreshing beer that will take the edge off a June evening on the front porches in and around our fair little Borough. These brews are all available at Buy-Rite in the Bayshore Shopping Center.

Just what is a Pilsner beer you ask? A Pilsner is a lager beer style said to have originated in Bohemia (part of the old Czechoslovakia) in and around the Village of Pilsen (Pilzen). The style dates back to approximately 1840. Interestingly enough, a neighboring village to Pilsen is Budweis, home of the Original Budweiser, though due to trademark restrictions it is only available only in this country under the curious name of "Czechvar." In Europe and elsewhere "Budweiser" or "Budvar" is the name used. A popular style, Pilsner-like beers are brewed around the globe: From the highly regarded Bedele Pilsner of Ethiopia to the Ginga Kogen Pilsner of Japan. Of course then there are the German Style "Pilsners". Personally I find the German Pilsners a bit hoppier and bit fuller bodied than the Czech Pilsners that I have tried. I would place both the Brooklyn and Victory Pilsners in the grouping with the German Pilsners. Examples of the Czech style include the readily available Pilsner Urquell and Czechvar as mentioned above.

Gastronomically, you will want to pair that Pilsner with some spicy Chicken Sate, Thai Food in General, Szechwan-Style Chinese dishes or an Italian Hot Dog ( http://www.jimmybuff.com )

If Baseball Players are the "Boys of Summer" Pilsners, Pale Ales and Wheat beers are the "Beers of Summer." We'll save the latter two for a future column.

While we are on the subject of beer and summertime I have been asked by several of you to comment on what my "favorite" beer is and what do I always have in the house. The short answer is that it varies with the seasons and the reasons, ask me in October and you are likely to get a different answer. My "cheap indulgence" beer is Ballantine Ale, a good inexpensive beach beer that comes in a funky green can. It's fruity, its malty and its dirt cheap. My "the yard work is done and a reward is in order" beer is a toss-up between Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale, Victory's Prima Pils, Brooklyn's Pilsner and Magic Hat's Hocus Pocus. My "its a cool night on the porch, the kids are in bed" beer is Dogfish Head's Indian Brown Ale, Brooklyn's Brown, Long Trail's Double Bag and Avery's New World Porter.

Now the rant. Why is it you can go to a Country Club, one that charges Tens of Thousands of Dollars to become and remain a member,one that still charges you several hundred dollars for each round of Golf with a guest, one where the Pro Shop will sell you a box of Titlest Pro VI golf balls for nearly $50.00 and yet the only beer available at any price is thin, fizzy, watery pale yellow beer?


Hmmm.