Lagunitas Pils
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with floral and spicy Saaz hops, backed by a clean, lightly grainy malt base that reads as bready without being sweet. On the palate, the bitterness is firm but not aggressive — herbal and earthy in character, the way traditional Czech hopping tends to go. The body is medium-light with a dry, snappy finish that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back. At 6.2% it sits noticeably above the classic Czech style's typical range, giving it a bit more presence than a standard Bohemian lager.
About the Brewery
Lagunitas was founded in 1993 in Petaluma, California, later expanding with a major facility in Chicago. They built their reputation on hop-forward ales — particularly their IPA — but have always maintained a range that dips into lagers and more traditional styles. Heineken acquired a majority stake in the brewery in 2015, with full acquisition following in 2017, a move that generated some discussion in craft beer circles. Despite the ownership change, their core lineup has remained largely consistent.
Food Pairings
Roast chicken works well here because the beer's herbal bitterness cuts through the fat without competing with delicate seasoning. A classic cheeseburger pairs naturally, the malt backbone complementing beef while the dry finish resets the palate between bites. Fried fish or fish and chips is a textbook match — the carbonation and bitterness handle grease and richness cleanly. Soft, mild cheeses like Havarti or young Gouda mirror the bread and grain notes in the malt without overwhelming the hop character. Grilled bratwurst with mustard ties the whole Central European flavor thread together.
Style Guide
Czech Pilsener — sometimes called Bohemian Pilsner — originated in Plzeň, Czech Republic in the 1840s, with Pilsner Urquell as its defining commercial example. The style is built around Saaz hops, which contribute a soft, spicy, and herbal bitterness rather than the bright citrus or pine of American varieties. Compared to German Pilsner, the Czech version tends to have a slightly fuller body, a rounder malt character, and a bitterness that's present but not sharp. Traditional examples typically land in the 4–5.5% range, so this beer's 6.2% ABV pushes it toward the stronger end of the style spectrum.