Premier Pilsner

Premier Pilsner is produced by Esplanda in Massachusetts. The catalog lists it under wine and sake, but the name points to a pilsner, which is normally a beer style. No grape, base ingredient, ABV, vintage or official tasting notes are on file. Check the label for the exact style and strength before you plan a serving. If it follows the pilsner profile its name suggests, expect a light, crisp, dry drink with clean cereal or pale-malt notes, restrained fruit and a brisk, fairly short finish. A wine or sake labeled this way would more likely be served chilled and unoaked than aged. These are expectations drawn from the name, not measured notes for this bottle. For serving, a cold but not icy 40 to 46°F suits light, crisp drinks of this type. Decanting isn't needed, and there is no sign it is meant to age, so treat it as a bottle to drink soon after purchase. A tall, slim pilsner glass or a small white-wine tulip keeps the aromas focused and the drink cold. A small sake cup would only suit it if the label confirms it is sake. Light, salty and fried foods are the usual match for a crisp, dry style like this. Examples are fish and chips, steamed shellfish, grilled sausages, pretzels and mild cheeses. The same style also stands up to moderately spiced dishes, because its low weight and clean finish keep it from competing with the food.