Beer 228 - Pilsner Urquell (2 stars out of 5)

Brewed by Pilsner Urquell in Plzen, Czech. Bought at HEB in Katy and drunk at home while watching the Daytona 500 NASCAR race on TV.  An exciting race, just wish we could have been there with the Alumas.

The brewery web site in English is: http://www.pilsnerurquell.com/flash/us.  There is an excellent flash video on the web site and a fascinating history of the beer.  The descriptions are a little over-hyped and are a perfect example of what advertising executives really believe we beer drinkers want to read.  The brewery is now owned by MillerCoors, the joint venture of SAB Miller and MolsonCoors where the web site is http://www.millercoors.com/our-beers/great-beer.aspx

The pilsner urquell web site says "For generations our dedicated, passionate brew masters have ensured that Pilsner Urquell with its distinctive darker shade of gold and snow white head has maintained its uncompromised purity of flavour.
Since 1842 we have used only the purest, most natural ingredients to create a beer of golden opulence. From the soft crystal clear waters, to the superior Bohemian and Moravian barley and noble hops from the Saaz region. Even our yeast has a centuries-old pedigree…
Considering this, it would of course be inconceivable to simply drink our pure golden pilsner. This brewing icon, coveted by the discerning, is a lager to be slowly savoured and relished.
Look…
Catching the light, the clear golden amber colour and creamy head beckons…
Inhale…
Whirl gently to release the floral aroma, raise the glass to your mouth and inhale deeply. Relish for a moment the aromas of fresh baguette, earthy hops and honeysuckle.
Savour…
And now it is time…
Don’t hurry. Drink deeply.
Slightly sweet, somewhat malty, the honey nut flavour sparkles on the tip of your tongue, and slides into your mouth where tart citrus flavours and warm caramel bitterness builds quickly before slipping down your throat full of rich body, thoroughly refreshing... And … the aftertaste… the sharp, distinct bitterness overlapping with caramelised sweetness lingers and develops on your palate.
Who could resist another tingle tongued deeply gratifying swirl, savour and swallow when the first was so superb?
Pilsner Urquell – the pure pilsner from Pilsen"

Wow.  That is fantastic.  Unfortunately the reality does not live up to the hype.  The color was less than golden and the nose was more earthy and hoppy.  The initial taste was sharp and the aftertaste bitter.  The sweet caramel of the malt was completely overcome by the bitterness of the hops.  The beer is drinkable but there are many better.