Ladies and Gentlemen, are you ready to RUMBLLLLLLLLLLE? This is our main event.
In this corner, from Colorado, all the way from the Oskar Blues Brewery, Standing 6 inches tall and weighing in at 12 oz with an ABV of 5.2 we have Mama’s Little Yella “Take No Prisoners” Pils! HHHAAAARRRAAA! And in the far corner from Downingtown, Pennsylvania and the brewery that has the best place on earth, the Hop Freezer, standing a tall 9 inches, and weighing in at 12 oz with an unknown ABV please welcome Victory Brewing’s own Prima “This Ain’t Your Mama’s Pilsner” Pils! RRRAAAAHHHH!
So what do you think? Mama’s LYP or Victory Prima? Well they are both tough and big competitors, and they are both up to the challenge! So who came out on top?…
Coming out swinging was Mama’s Little Yella Pils. This was a feisty contender that poured a deep golden color with about a two finger frothy white head. Its nose was bready with a hint of citrus and a faint alcohol smell.
The flavor was a solid right uppercut. Its flavor was yeasty and bready with a refreshing citrus core, and a very strange finish. I can’t think of any other way to explain it but vapor like. It kinda went into your nose and sinus cavity and did a little dance in there before it floated away with a dry and slightly metallic finish. It was odd, but not unpleasant. And I found myself at the end of the glass wishing that I had some more, but alas there is another challenger!
The Victory Prima Pils poured a light and slightly hazy golden color, with about a one finger billowy white head. This too was an unusual pilsner.
The nose on this brew was very hoppy. It had the traditional pilsner metallic and somewhat sulphery smell, but the citrus was a left jab followed by a roundhouse right! Big hop smells.
The flavor reflected the nose almost to a tee. It had a traditional pilsner flavor up front, in the middle was a mild citrus like quality, just like most pilsners, but instead of a dry clean finish, it was replaced by big hops and a resinous quality that reminded me of eucalyptus. I know what it was. It was the stems of the hop flowers that were giving off their magic elixir into the brew. This transported me back to the Victory Hop Freezer, which only seems like a distant memory now, even though it was only about 4 weeks ago. It was very good, but not what you would consider a traditional pilsner.
So who wins? Well Judge Verdi Patcheccio scores the fight 89 for Mama’s LYP, and 91 for Victory Prima Pils, Judge Vinnie Palmentero scores the bout 92 for Mama’s LYP and 90 for Victory Prima Pils and judge Antonio Pulmenteri scores the challenge Mama’s LYP 91 and Victory Prima Pils 91….Ladies and Gentlemen we have a DRAW!
Depending on what you are in the mood for, both these brews are great summer refreshing beers that are very sessionable and provide lots of great flavor. So go out and try them both, they are great for the warm summer months.
-Don
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Ahhh, the pilsener taste test, that can only mean that summer is around the corner, right? I have had both of these as well and preferred the taste of Mama’s over Prima Pils; cost-wise, Prima wins hands down. Not being a big fan of overly hopped beers, Mama’s was smoother in taste for me and I loved the odd finish.
Thanks for the review.
BTW, I had a taste of Jim Beam over the weekend – my first foray into the world of bourbon. I had it with just the smallest dash of water; very tasty. I am very excited to delve into other brands in the very near future.
Way to go Rob! Way to not make a Bourbon Snow cone! Beam is good and solid. It is a little weak for my palate, but it is the best selling bourbon in the world so it must be pretty great stuff! If I had to choose, I would probably go in the other direction and drink the Prima Pils, but I loved both. I will probably stick with the OB stuff though as Victory doesn’t sell in Idaho. 😦
I haven’t had Mama’s LYP yet, mainly because the price has scared me off and I’ve heard mixed reviews. I’m a big fan of Victory Prima Pils, though, and usually have some on hand in the warmer months. I also just gave Troeg’s Sunshine Pils a go, and that was pretty good, too.
I love pilsners in the sumemrtime.
I agree, their light and citrusy body with a touch of metallic or mineral flavor is just what the doctor ordered for summertime outdoors. The LYP might be a good one for you to try this summer by the lake for your concerts. It is a little spendy though. I think I paid about $2.89 for the can.
Mama’s was definitely pricey and the only downside to choosing between it and other pilsners. I was tempted to pick up Sunshine Pils but just wasn’t in the right frame of mind when shopping.
Sorry to digress about Jim Beam – it tasted very “scotch-like” if that’s possible and for me, was a nice intro to bourbon as I’ve read a lot where they can be very strong.
No apologies needed! I am always happy to discuss Bourbon! If you want to make a little more of a jump without going all the way to Knob Creek, try JB Black label. It is 90 or 100 proof ( I can’t remember) and aged 8 years, and about 2/3rds the cost of KC. I haven’t had this, but have been told it is a very good bourbon in its own right.
Now its pilsner season, so I’m sure you have lots of selection!
I will definitely seek out the JB Black – I just read a review and it sounds like a winner!
Of course it is you that will make the final determination whether JB black is worth it or not. Hope you like it.
I’m a fan of Mama’s Little Yella. The price isn’t bad…I don’t think. I’m hoping to find a new job soon because I’m wanting to brew some Pilsner. I need to pick up some more Victory stuff. You’re a fan Jim, yes?
Jim, drinks this brew a lot in the summer. That and Dales. I got the opportunity to drink a glass dispensed directly from the bottling vat, and I must say that was better than the bottle I had Saturday. Even so, it was good. I liked the LYP too, but they are very different from one another.
Yes, Mike. I love Prima Pils. It’s one of my favorite’s to drink while brewing, because it’s sessionable but still has tons of unique character. Of the pilsner’s I’ve had (and I haven’t had LYP because it’s expensive out here) it’s my hands down favorite.