Bitburger Premium Pils

Brewed by Bitburger Brauerei Th. Simon
Style: Classic German Pilsener
Bitburg, Germany

My first tasting of Bitburger was while a very young 18 year old airman in Germany, while I thought it was a good bier, there were other Pils available to me that I would much rather have. That said, my most recent tasting some 20+ years later again repeated the same impression, just an okay pils, right even with Becks in my opinion. Pale and thin, lacks any complex tones.

Aroma first out of the bottle was a little skunked. As it aired out, it became more pleasant. Had dirt and a little orange peel. The color is very light with an active head. The taste is light and thin with a metallic finish. There is nothing offensive here, but also very little character.

Strong, herbal hop nose. Clear golden coloured body with fine white head that recedes to cover. Crisp bitterness offsets sweet malt with some mild spicy hop flavours. Body is light but could use a bit higher carbonation to punch it up. Simple, straight-forward and well-made German Pils. Very drinkable. Bottle.

Bottle. This traditional pilsner pours a traditional pale body with a bitter hop character. Nothing special here.

nice appearance with lasting creme. Ok smell. But that’s the end of this. Metalic in can taste. Strong carbonation and water. The type of beer you expect in the summer at a soccer game.

April, 2003 Bottle The Bitburger brewery has been going since 1817, but it was in 1883 that they brewed their first Pilsener, claiming to be among the first in Germany to do so - and winning a court battle in 1913 to use the term Pilsener. In a country which prides itself on its distinctive regional breweries Bitburger achieved distinction by making a universal lager and selling it all over the place! There is some light sweetness and a pinch of salt. But a long developing hop finish is the key thing to this lager. Everything is quite soft and laid back, then the hops slowly assert themselves finishing with a long dry bitterness. Decent, and decent quality, but for this non-lager lout it remains simply a lager. [2.0]
Jan, 2006 On tap @ <a href=http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/33/339 Seven Stars, Fleet Street. This a clean, soft lager with a pleasing hop nip and gentle carbonation. [2.7]

Can (500ml) Pours with a lot of not-quite-white bubbly foam, laced well - bright, clear gold, residual bubbling. Aroma is light, crisp, of wheat, mild hops, banana and a hint of lemon; faintly sweet. Taste is VERY lemony, tart/hoppy, hoppiness builds - still get a bit of sweet banana and tobacco in there too. Would be significantly better on tap. It’s hot, I’m on my balcony, so I’m feeling generous ...

500 ml Can. Pale yellow body, moderate fluffy white head. Very grassy aroma, slight notes of flowers and honey. Sweet floral flavour with long lasting herbal finish that is not entirely pleasant. Average to light palate is appropriate.