Is it California Pilsner or is it Austrian Pils? Boy, that’s a toughie. Austria’s fantastic Trumer Brewery has the finest domestically produced Pilsner in America – 18 Gold medals to prove it. I had the opportunity to visit Trumer in Berkeley, California. Yes, that Berkeley - home of campus radicals and pointy-headed intellectuals. One of my Daughters is high-tailing it out of Berkeley, what the heck is going on? Now home of fine Pilsner, who figured?
Actually, said Daughter is moving on in academic circles, so onward and upward! I had a funny conversation with her – she was actually living near Trumer in El Cerrito at the time. El Cerrito was the home of rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, one of her favorites, and mine. “Dad, did you know Creedence was also from El Cerrito? I thought they were from Bajou Country!” Funny thing is, I thought that too! This from a 20-something – Fogerty would be proud!
I think the domestic product has to be a bit different that the Austrian brew, just over the border from Bavaria. One difference is the open fermentation at the Austrian Mothership – what does that do to the flavor? To investigate, I was looking for some big yeasty foamy vat when I was in Berkeley, I was really interested – but the beer tender there disclosed they have closed fermentation! Huh? Is this the same brew or what? Anyway, it is what it is, and what it is - is FANTASTIC!!!! Best Pils in America! Prost!