Prodel Birra Del Vecchio

Brewed by Prodel S.R.L.
Style: Pilsener
Maida, Italy

Golden very clear appearance. Slight maltiness and a light hoppy flavour.Low carbonisation makes it a reasonable pils.

What qualifies a good pilsener? Can it not be brewed in a southern Europe locale such as Italy? Is it too easy to rely on preconceived notions when it comes to rating small beers? A varigated foam lives on top of this beer, it moves with the golden liquid underneath and forms furry patches of stark white as you drink. Bouquet is all oat cereal rings in almond rice milk adorned with miniature circus peanuts. When you speak of balanced, fermented beverages this one has to be held up there with the best. A mild and creamy sweetness flits directly into a running herbal, tinny vibe and your senses are awash in what beer is. I mean, christ this is a better pilsener than most I’ve had fresh in Germany. Next time it will be drunk from a Rothaus glass. This beer deserves it.

Yellow. Aroma of hearty and diverse cereal grains, freshly cut grass and herbal hops. A simple, reliable average Pils. The malt flavor is fairly grainy, husky and fruity and the hops actually balance this quite well. I do definately like the mouthfeel.

Pretty hoppy initially, then the malt shows it’s true lack of quality - instead of breadiness, we get an acrid burnt plastic smokiness. Now I like a good plasticiness (uerige sticke, anyone?) but this is too sourish. Still quite drinkable, especialy when cold, and quenching. Hop metallic flavors big time.

Crusty, dry and very densely packed with stone and scorched herb flavors. Very pale, straw gold color - no colorings added to this beauty. Nutty, all malt profile. Gorgeous interplay of chewy, massive texture and vibrant bitterness which provides ample room for nutty, earthy richness to dance in. Given blind to several accomplished tasters, all guessed it to be Bohemian.

Clear light golden coloured body with a thin soapy white head. Aroma of skunky malt, little hops and nothing else at all. Light-bodied; Skunky malt flavour with a tiny sweetness and offensive flavours. Aftertaste shows unpleasant malt tastes and the same bad skunkyness. Overall, a very bad showing and even though its new to the US, it should have never of come here! I bought this 33 cL bottle from Beers of the World in Rochester, New York and sampled it on 13-March-2004.

Skunky. But Jeremy had it and so I tried it. Pale yellow color. No good aroma. Light. Watered down. Kind of skunky, some malt in the taste as well. But thanks Jeremy!!

Above average lager apprearance due to its frothy head. Lightly hopped aroma with a slightly sweet finish, and a very light slightly malty flavour. Overall a very basic lager.