Lookout Czech Pilsner

Judge’s Review

Joseph Formanek
BJCP National Judge

Rating 93 (Exceptional)

Judges Rating: 93
Aroma: 22/24
Appearance: 5/6
Flavor: 38/40
Mouthfeel: 9/10
Overall Impression: 19/20

Lookout Czech Pilsner by Lookout Brewing Co. is being evaluated as Style 3A, Czech Pale Lager, as per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines. The style calls for a smaller version of the traditional Czech Premium Pils style with the same overall flavor and aroma profiles.

The aroma has a light noble/Saaz hop character with a light cereal background note. There is a typical sulfury lager fermentation note present with no diacetyl noted. The Saaz notes could be a little more impactful. The overall fermentation is quite clean with no real off characters evident. The brew is a deep straw/light gold color, is brilliantly clear, and has a small white-bubble head with fair retention.

The overall flavor profile is quite clean. The malt backbone is quite small, as expected for the style. The noble/Saaz hop flavor and bitterness are rather moderate, considering the lack of malt and other flavor notes, but the level works very well in this brew. The hop bitterness up front lingers through the finish, delivering a satisfyingly dry finish. Moderate carbonation allows for a bit of bite on the palate, which amplifies the drying effect of the hop bitterness in the finish, delivering a quite refreshing and quaffable light-bodied beverage. The clean character of this brew is where it really shines and allows for its high level of drinkability.

Czech Pils is a refreshing summer thirst quencher that has enough character in proper balance to be quite interesting and enjoyable. This small beer really delivers!

Brewer’s Description

Staying true to tradition, our Czech Style Pilsner was brewed using Local Carolina and Cumberland Pilsner Malt with a healthy dose of Saaz hops. Golden straw in color, this Pils strikes the perfect balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness, with hints of earthy floral notes, and a crispy, refreshing finish!

Beer Style & Statistics

Beer Style: Czech Pilsner
Beer Style Family: Czech Lager
Availability: Year-Round
ABV: 3.9%

IBUs: 23
Served at: 32 – 34º F
Hops: Saaz
Malts: Pilsen Malt, Czech grown & Carolina malted.

Brewery Information

Czech Pilsner | Year-Round | North Carolina | USA