When it comes to pilsners, I really only have a couple of requirements that need to be met in order for me to be satisfied. If you can give me a couple of good flavors, zero off flavors, a nice mouthfeel, and an overall sense of refreshment, I'm pretty much sold. As easy as that may sound, you would be amazed at how many breweries find a way to screw it up. So when one manages to make even a respectable pilsner offering, it at least deserves an honorable mention. Today, the Warsteiner Premium Verum from Warsteiner Brauerei gets its moment on stage.

When it hits the glass, Premium Verum displays a bright golden straw coloration, and carries a very sudsy, bright white head. When you get in close, you will notice that the nose is somewhat simple, but not in a bad way. Don't be surprised if the only smells you are able to identify are some toasted grains, fresh malts that resemble biscuits, and a touch of lemongrass. Complex it is not. Inviting it very much is.

Going in for the first taste, you will instantly notice the lively amount of carbonation, as well as a very crisp mouthfeel. After taking a few moments to get yourself acclimated, the delicate flavors slowly start to poke their way through. There is a light grainy malt flavor that has a slight caramel feel to it, and it is complimented quite well by the acidic grass tingle. My only real complaint would be that there is still just a faint metallic taste typical to many pilsners laying deep down at the bottom of the glass. I wouldn't go so far as to call it problematic, but not mentioning it at all would be irresponsible on my end.

I have often felt as though breweries should be forced to swear and adhere by one rule when it comes to making a pilsner. They should have to have a signed document that's simply states ''We promise not to screw it up''. And while Premium Verum will never blow you away with his greatness, you can rest assured that Warsteiner Brauerei at least managed to not screw it up. My advice would be to think of it as an ''I'll give it a shot it I see it'' brew. You're not really missing anything if you pass it by, but at the same time it's not going to send you running for the closest drain if you find it in your glass.