Summer Pils - Saint Arnold Review
The Pilsner is a simple beer, usually just Pilsner malt and noble hops. But if you know anything about beer, simple translates to ‘really hard to get right and open for extreme criticism.’ I always admire when an American craft brewer attempts an old world style like Pilsner, but the results are not always up to snuff, a.k.a., simple ≠ easy.
But Saint Arnold’s Summer Pils (once called Summerfest) has been around for almost thirty years, cementing itself in the coveted realm of seasonal Texas Icon, a rare status for any beer, let alone a Pilsner only available April-August. Saint Arnold has spent much of the past thirty years perfecting their Pils with Durst Pilsner imported from Germany and Hersbrucker and Saaz hops imported from the Czech Republic.
This all sounds very authentic, even down to the 4.9% ABV and 22 IBU, but the proof is in the suds, so let’s see what Saint Arnold has been getting right since 1997.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Straw-colored and clear; topped with a shiny cream-colored head and glowing with a hint of green common to pilsner beers.
On the Nose--Crisp and rich malt aroma with a touch of hop spice. This Pilsner is eager to be quaffed on a searingly hot day.
On the Palate--Distinct malt character with Pilsner presence and a touch of nuttiness from the Durst malt, as advertised by Saint Arnold, which helps set it apart from other Pilsner beers. While malt forward, it’s balanced quite well by the noble hops with only a touch of lingering spiciness through the dry finish. Summer Pils is light in body and crisp through the finish.
Food Pairings: Pilsner is one of those styles that goes well with just about anything. But since this is a Summer Pils, we suggest pairing it with burgers, hot dogs, salads, and anything else you like to throw on the grill.
Final Thoughts:
Simple ≠ easy. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, and a Pilsner, at least on the surface, is about as simple as a beer can get. American Craft brewers will always struggle to replicate old-world classics because the old-world has been refining their ingredients, yeast, and technique for centuries.
But that’s what Saint Arnold has done so well with their Summer Pils. They started brewing it in 1997 and refined their recipe until 2006 with traditional ingredients and technique. This has resulted in a beer that is refined, distinctly malty, and easy to drink on those hot Texas days. It starts with quality (and correct) ingredients and ends with enough passion to get it right for almost thirty years.
This is my first experience with Summer Pils but it won’t be the last. And if you’re a craft-brew-loving Texan looking for something light and refreshing this summer, look no further.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew
Check out more of our favorite Saint Arnold beers: Art Car IPA, Amber Ale, and Banger IPA.