PIVO-tal Czech-Style Pilsner

Judge’s Review

Michael Heniff
Grand Master III BJCP judge

Rating 92 (Exceptional)

Judges Rating: 92
Aroma: 21/24
Appearance: 6/6
Flavor: 37/40
Mouthfeel: 10/10
Overall Impression: 18/20

PIVO-tal Czech Style Pilsner by Pivotal Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Czech Pale Lager (category 3A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Czech Pale Lagers are golden-colored lagers noted for their malt flavors (typically bready in character) and an assertive yet balanced spicy hop character, but with characters a little muted from the stronger Czech Premium Pale Lager. PIVO-tal was brewed with Saaz and Hallertauer Blanc hops.

This beer pours golden in color with excellent clarity and a medium, fluffy white head. The aroma is moderately light spicy hops complemented by a light pilsner malt. The flavor is moderate spicy hops with a lighter herbal note; lightly bready pilsner malt complements the hops. The beer finishes with moderate bitterness, light to moderate spicy hops, and a hint of pilsner malt. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with moderately high palate-cleansing carbonation and a crisp, clean finish.

PIVO-tal is an exceptional Czech Pils. The hop flavor is spot-on, even despite the use of non-traditional Hallertauer Blanc hops. The malt flavor is from high-quality malt. The balance between the hops and malt is excellent; the hops shine, and the malt supports, but neither impedes the quaffability. Na Zdraví!

Brewer’s Description

PIVO-tal is one of Pivotal Brewing Company’s flagship beer brands and is poured on a Czech Luker faucet in our taprooms. Brewed with 100% Czech Pilsner malt, lending nuanced flavors of bread dough and malt sweetness. We use Hallertau Blanc hops and a generous amount of Czech Saaz to create a soft, floral nose that blends beautifully with the subtle sourdough aromas from our house lager yeast.

Beer Style & Statistics

Beer Style: Czech Pilsner
Beer Style Family: Czech Lager
Availability: Year-Round
ABV: 4.5%

IBUs: 30
Hops: Hallertau Blanc, Czech Saaz
Malts: Czech Pilsner Malt

Brewery Information

Czech Pilsner | Year-Round |Rhode Island | USA