Seattlest Beer of the Week: Baron Pils
Let's be truthful; many of us "beer geeks" don't think much of Pilsners. The style that Bud/Miller/Coors has bastardized doesn't always get many beer lovers excited. Even though this Seattlest drinks Pilsner just a small minority of the time, he loves them deep down and can definitely appreciate a good one. The style is never going to blow you over with taste, but a great Pils can be just as enjoyable as a hopped up IPA or a crazy, big Stout.
The Baron Pils is a perfect break from the big, high alcohol Winter beers that we have been enjoying. After a few heavy beers at a bar the other day, we grabbed a Baron Pils to lighten up and were happy as can be. The Pils is clear and crisp with plenty of head and looks quite inviting in a tall Pilsner glass. The taste is slightly sweet malt, with a snappy dry finish and light hops. It is a very clean Pilsner with no off flavors that is wonderful fresh from the tap at the brewery.
Baron Brewing, located near the South Park neighborhood in Seattle, specializes in German-style beers. Quite a few hop-happy PNW breweries tend to ignore the Pils as a style altogether. Baron embraces it and is doing a great job of getting it on tap at bars in every neighborhood in Seattle. Their taproom at the brewery is open 3pm to 10pm from Thursday to Saturday and is worth a visit for a pint or to fill a growler.
The Baron Pils ($3 per 22oz bottle) should be easy to find at beer retailers all over town. It is a very flexible beer to pair with food, but the Pils will accompany local seafood or traditional German sausages perfectly.
Prost!
