Grolsch Lager Review: A Refreshing Classic with a Twist

450ml Bottle of Grolsch Premium Pilsner Beer 4% ABV

Reviewed: 1st Feb 2024

Some beers just take you back, don’t they? For me, Grolsch is absolutely one of them. The moment I see that green swing-top bottle, I’m straight back in the 80s. Bros on the radio, a bottle top tucked into my laces, and that first crisp, refreshing sip of Dutch lager.

Nostalgia is a powerful thing though, and it can cloud judgement. So the real question here is simple. How does Grolsch Premium Pilsner hold up today, in a world full of craft beer, modern lagers, and endless choice?

 

A bit of background

Grolsch was founded in Grolle in 1615, which already puts it in a different league to most beers on the shelf. It’s now brewed back in its historic home of Enschede in the Netherlands, and the brewery proudly talks about being “double brewed for double the flavour”.

They also make a point of highlighting the use of two hops for bitterness and aroma, blended with two different types of malt. On paper, it all sounds reassuringly traditional, and very much in keeping with the pilsner style.

 

The bottle

I honestly don’t think the bottle has changed much at all since the one I swigged from in the 80s. The label might be a little cleaner and more modern, but that iconic green swing-top bottle looks and feels exactly the same.

It’s still one of the most recognisable bottles in the world of beer, and there’s something undeniably satisfying about popping that ceramic cap. Before you’ve even poured it, the bottle is already doing half the work.

 

Appearance

Grolsch pours a clear, bright golden yellow, topped with a decent white head that fades fairly quickly. It looks exactly like you’d expect a European pilsner to look.

There’s no haze, no drama, no surprises. Just clean, straightforward lager in the glass. To be honest, I wouldn’t have expected anything else, and that’s not a criticism.

 

Aroma

The aroma is light, clean, and familiar. You get pilsner malt first, followed by grassy hops and a gentle bready note. There’s also a subtle hint of honey sweetness in there, which caught me slightly off guard. I’ve had Grolsch plenty of times over the years, and I don’t remember picking that up before.

There’s no great complexity here, and it smells like a lot of European lagers do. But it’s pleasant, fresh, and inviting, which is exactly what you want at this end of the spectrum.

 

Taste

The first sip is crisp and clean. There’s a light sweetness up front, quickly balanced by a subtle hop bitterness that keeps things refreshing rather than bland.

The malt character is present but restrained, with a touch of breadiness allowing the hops to do their thing. I’m picking up delicate floral notes, a hint of citrus, and just a touch of spice as it moves across the palate.

The finish is mildly bitter, slightly dry, and very easy-going. It doesn’t linger, but it doesn’t vanish instantly either. It does exactly what a good pilsner should do.

In the mouth, it feels light and lively, with moderate carbonation that adds to the crispness without becoming gassy. It’s clean, refreshing, and uncomplicated.

 

Overall impression

I’ll be honest, I might have romanticised this one a little. It didn’t quite transport me back to my earliest drinking days in the way I expected.

That said, Grolsch Premium Pilsner isn’t trying to be complex or challenging. That simplicity is part of its charm. It’s a classic pilsner, brewed well, offering refreshment first and foremost.

The swing-top bottle adds a sense of fun and tradition, which makes it a great choice for casual drinking, barbecues, or just a no-fuss beer when you want something cold and reliable.

 

Wrapping up

Grolsch Premium Pilsner is a solid, dependable lager. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it delivers a consistent and enjoyable experience at a fair price.

If you’re looking for a classic European pilsner with a bit of heritage and a lot of familiarity, Grolsch is still well worth picking up. There’s a reason it has lasted this long.

Score: 8.5 out of 10.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy your beers, and cheers.