Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week": Victory Prima Pils

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jul 18, 2007 4:00PM

Last Friday marked a milestone here at Chicagoist, and we didn't even notice it. On July 13, 2006, we debuted this very column. Truthfully, we never planned on it actually becoming a regular staple of the site. We were only looking to file something on that fateful day, and figured that "Beer of the Week" would run its course in short order with a few glances. However, we seemed to strike a nerve with readers with the next week's selection. By the time we hit you with the one-two punch of Goose Island Matilda and Point Honey Light, there was no turning back. In the past twelve months, we've run all over the city — OK, we've only gone as far north as Hopleaf and Simon's — looking for selections we feel worthy of the "BotW" designation. Ironically, this column has helped us reduce our alcohol consumption.

Since we kicked off this series with a pilsner, it only seemed fitting that we mark our anniversary with one. We picked up a couple bottles of Victory Prima Pils when we were researching our June readers' choice selections. As far as pilsners go, Victory keeps it simple with Prima Pils; sometimes that's all we ask. We'll never slag the effort of brewers, but sometimes it's best not to get too complex when you make it. We loved the clear, golden color of Prima Pils, the way the head quickly faded. It's a hoppy pilsner, but not overwhelmingly so. Decant a bottle and you might notice a slight hint of mineral and grass flavor on the palate. It has a dry, bitter finish that pairs well with nearly anything off the grill. It's a great summertime beer, but why wait until the thermometer reaches the eighties to have one?

Victory Brewing Company makes some great beers. Have a glass of Prima Pils and we promise you won't never look at Rolling Rock the same way again. That's why Victory Prima Pils is Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week." See you here for the second anniversary.

Image courtesy of Victory Brewing Company website.