Pilsners are often found in green bottles for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is a nod to tradition and the beer's historical roots. Pilsners originated in the Czech Republic, specifically in the city of Pilsen, and green bottles were commonly used in the early days of brewing. By using green bottles, breweries can pay homage to the beer's heritage and maintain a sense of authenticity.
Secondly, green glass has the advantage of offering some protection against light. Light can be detrimental to beer, as it can cause a phenomenon known as lightstruck or skunked beer. When beer is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, typically from sunlight or fluorescent lighting, it can react with the hops in the beer and create a skunky aroma and taste.
Green glass offers better UV protection compared to clear or amber glass bottles. The green tint helps to filter out some of the UV rays, reducing the likelihood of lightstruck beer. This is particularly important for hop-forward beers like pilsners, which rely on the delicate flavors and aromas of hops.
However, it's worth noting that green glass is not completely effective at preventing lightstruck beer. UV rays can still penetrate the glass to some extent, especially if the beer is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. That's why it's always recommended to store beer in a cool, dark place to minimize the risk of light affecting its quality.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards using brown or amber glass bottles for better light protection. This is especially true for craft breweries that prioritize quality and consistency in their beers. Amber glass provides superior UV protection compared to green glass, reducing the chances of lightstruck beer. Many craft breweries have made the switch to amber bottles to ensure their beers reach consumers in the best possible condition.
It's essential to consider the context in which green bottles are still used for pilsners. Larger commercial beer brands often rely on marketing and brand recognition to maintain their customer base. The use of green bottles for pilsners can be seen as a branding choice to differentiate themselves from craft breweries and evoke a sense of tradition and authenticity. Consumers may associate green bottles with a particular brand or style of beer, creating a recognizable and consistent image.
To summarize, pilsners are often found in green glass bottles for historical and marketing reasons. Green glass is a traditional choice that pays homage to the beer's origins and offers some protection against light, although not as effective as amber glass. Craft breweries have increasingly shifted towards using amber glass for better light protection. Ultimately, the choice of bottle color depends on the brewery's branding strategy and the desired perception of the beer.