Robin Shepard
Edel Pils has won a number of awards, most recently as the Best of the Midwest in the Pilsner Class in the 2001 U.S. Beer Tasting Championships.
When you think of picking up a six-pack from the New Glarus Brewing Company, you may think of Spotted Cow or Fat Squirrel, the brewery's two biggest sellers. But if you ask New Glarus locals about their favorite, another beer comes up on their list. Deb Carey, the founder and brewery president, says this time of year the locals keep asking when Edel Pils, their true favorite, will appear. Well, this beer is here for its annual summertime run.
What is it? Edel Pils by New Glarus Brewing Company.
Style: There are several sub-style categories of the pilsner ranging from the grainy American version to the German and Bohemian/Czech Pilsners, which feature crisper, dryer flavor profiles. Pilsners are known for their crispness and their clear, light-golden to straw color. While they can be bitter, their hoppiness is clean, even sharp.
Background: Edel Pils is a summer seasonal for New Glarus, available from now until late summer. It's won a number of awards, most recently as the Best of the Midwest in the Pilsner Class in the 2001 U.S. Beer Tasting Championships. Brewmaster Dan Carey labels this a Wisconsin (American) Lager. The flavors include earthy and grainy notes from the additions of Wisconsin barley. However, a floral spicy background -- thanks to Carney's use of yeast and hops from Bavaria -- indicates a hybrid of the American and German Pilsner styles.
Tasting notes:
- Aroma: Lightly grainy, some earthiness.
- Appearance: Clear, light golden to straw with a thick, white bubbly head.
- Texture: Light, smooth and creamy.
- Taste: A light malty start, with spicy notes in the background.
- Finish/Aftertaste: Very clean and lightly bitter, but the softness of the malt and texture continue to dominate.
Glassware: The clear, brilliant, effervescent golden color makes for a wonderful presentation in a traditional tall pilsner glass.
Pairs well with: The soft textures and emphasis on subtle maltiness really compliment fish, especially broiled and baked seafood with delicate flavors.
Rating: Three Bottle Openers (out of four).
The Consensus: B+ (very good) from Beer Advocate and a 76 from
