In this episode of Matt Likes Beer, Matt cracks open a German import with a lot more baggage than expected: Bismarkbrau Das Pilsner. What starts as a straightforward first-time tasting of a German Pils quickly turns into a full BJCP-style judging breakdown—appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression—complete with scores and some surprising critiques.
Matt dives deep into what makes a German Pils tick, from grainy, bready malt character to assertive bitterness, and explains why this particular beer lands at a lower score than expected. Along the way, he explores how transit, storage, and age can dramatically affect imported beers long before they hit an American shelf.
Then things take a turn.
Sparked by a bold “brewed according to the 1516 Purity Law” claim on the label, Matt launches into a candid (and occasionally fiery) discussion about the Reinheitsgebot—why it exists, what it actually says, and why modern brewers and beer drinkers may be clinging to it for reasons that have very little to do with making better beer. If you’ve ever been in an uncomfortable argument about “authentic” German brewing methods, this segment will feel painfully familiar.
The episode wraps with an announcement of an upcoming multi-episode special featuring beers sent from Philadelphia, plus a peek behind the curtain at Matt’s recording schedule and what listeners can expect over the next couple of months.
Honest judging, brewing philosophy, imported beer realities, and a little brewing-community therapy—this one has it all.
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