My latest article for The Bulletin (which came out a week and a half ago) and it’s a study in pilsners, a great style to drink during this hot weather. I evaluate two side by side, from Sunriver Brewing and Three Creeks Brewing.

When brewed properly, these beers are light yet flavorful, crisp, refreshing, and clean, with high drinkability.

While it may seem as though there’s not much to distinguish one example from another, there is a surprising amount of variability possible within the style. I have two different pilsners in my refrigerator right now that illustrate this nicely.

The first is Rivermark Pilsner from Sunriver Brewing Co., available year-round in cans and on draft.

It’s brewed as an interpretation of the Czech- or Bohemian-style pilsner, with a hop profile combining American Nugget hops for bittering and Mt. Hood and Czech Saaz hops for a classic finishing touch of hop spice.

The other is Buckin’ Chute Hoppy Pilsner from Three Creeks Brewing Co., a summer seasonal that adds a hoppy spin to the style; the brewery calls it a “New Zealand style golden pilsner” due to its use of New Zealand hops including Motueka for a heavy dose of dry hopping. Motueka is noted to have citrus, tropical fruit, and herbal character.

I’ve also been drinking through a number of other pilsners and it’s always interesting to note the differences, some subtle, some obvious. I’d recommend doing the same—pick up two or more different pilsners and try them side by side to compare and contrast.

In the meantime, the article breaks down my notes on the two beers and how they diverge in character; check it out!