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Two Czech-style dimpled mugs side by side on a wooden table at von C Brewing Norristown — one pale-gold Czech pilsner and one dark Czech lager — showcasing the brewery's full Czech program
Czech Pilsner · 5% ABV · Norristown Tradition

Prior Preferred Czech Pilsner

A nod to the Adam Scheidt Brewing Co. — a parallel Norristown lager house that ran from 1884 until Schmidt's acquired it in 1954. Brewed with Czech ingredients and lagered at least four weeks for soft, balanced bitterness with Saaz floral character.

ABV
5%
IBU
N/A
SRM
4

Czech Pilsner · Saaz Hops · Floral · Norristown Tradition

Tasting Notes

Steeped in Norristown Tradition.

Prior Preferred is the Norristown answer to the original Pilsen lager. Named in tribute to the Adam Scheidt Brewing Co. — a Bavarian-born brewer's Norristown lager house that ran independently from 1884 and was acquired by Schmidt's in 1954, the year Norristown brewing entered the Schmidt family.

Brewed with Czech ingredients top to bottom. Saaz hops are the star: their delicate spice and floral aroma define the Bohemian style, and we don't bury them under bitterness. The malt base stays soft. The lager tank does the rest — at least four weeks of cold conditioning before it ever sees a tap.

If O.G. Pils is the American Pilsener tradition and Fräulein is the German Pils lane, Prior Preferred is the Czech original. Order all three in a flight for the lesson.

Appearance
Pale gold, brilliant clarity. Fluffy white head with persistent lacing.
Aroma
Saaz floral and gentle spice up front. Light cracker malt, soft honey underneath.
Flavor
Soft pilsner malt center. Saaz floral character through the middle. Balanced bitterness that finishes dry and clean — never harsh.
Mouthfeel
Light body, lively carbonation. Crisp dry finish, the kind of beer that disappears.
Pairings
  • Pierogies
  • Soft pretzels
  • Roast chicken
  • Light cheese plates
  • Cold-smoked fish
Stainless-steel fermentation tanks lined along the back wall of the von C Brewing Co. brewhouse in Norristown PA — bar stools at the foot of the tanks, polished concrete floor reflecting the warm overhead work lights, the place every batch of every beer on the tap list passes through
Process

How it gets to the glass.

  1. 01

    All-Czech ingredients — Bohemian pilsner malt, Czech Saaz noble hops — for a faithful recreation of the classic Plzeň profile.

  2. 02

    At least four weeks of cold conditioning in the lager tank. The patient approach that defines a real Czech pilsner.

The Brewlog

Brewed to spec.

Every batch passes through the same sequence. Nothing leaves the tank early.

Style
Czech Pilsner (Bohemian)
ABV
5%
SRM
4 — pale gold
Malt
Bohemian Pilsner (Czech)
Hops
Czech Saaz (noble)
Conditioning
4+ weeks cold lager
Tradition
Norristown lager (parallel to Schmidt's)
The Short Answers

About Prior Preferred Czech Pilsner.

How is a Czech pilsner different from a German pilsner?
The Czech style (this beer) has a softer water profile, slightly fuller body, and Saaz hop character that's more floral than spicy. German pilsners (like our Fräulein) are crisper, drier, with sharper hop bitterness. Czech is round; German is angular.
Who was Adam Scheidt?
A Bavarian-born brewer who ran an independent Norristown lager house from 1884 until Schmidt's acquired it in 1954. Prior Preferred tips its cap to that parallel Norristown lager tradition — separate from the Schmidt family line, same town, same dedication to lager. Norristown brewing has roots that predate any one family.
On tap right now?
Yes — Prior Preferred is a regular on the lager side of the tap list. Call (484) 231-1501 to confirm.
From the Same Tap List

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Try the Norristown Take on the Original Pilsen

Prior Preferred Czech Pilsner on tap at 1210 Stanbridge Street, Norristown PA

Plan Your Visit Full Tap List