Maplewood Pulaski Pils 12Pk

Maplewood Pulaski Pils 12Pk is a 5.1% ABV Czech-inspired pilsner from Chicago's Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, sold in a 12-pack of 12 oz cans. Scoring 87/100 from both BeerAdvocate and Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine's blind BJCP judging panel, Pulaski Pils has quietly earned a reputation as one of Chicago's most reliable everyday lagers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.1%  |  IBU: 25  |  Origin: Logan Square, Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Pilsner  |  Brewery: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Production & Heritage

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery operates out of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, producing both beer and spirits under one roof. Pulaski Pils is built on a grain bill of primarily pilsner malt with what the brewery describes as "just a kiss of Vienna" malt for subtle depth. The beer is properly lagered — not rushed — and lightly dry-hopped with Lórien hops sourced from Indie Hops, a detail that introduces delicate floral and citrus character without pushing the beer into hop-forward territory. At 25 IBUs, the bitterness stays restrained and balanced.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light white pepper and rustic woodsiness greet the nose first, followed by gentle floral notes and a faint lemon-lime brightness from the Lórien dry hop. A crackery, bready malt backbone holds everything together.

Taste: The entry is clean and effervescent, with golden flakey malt and a touch of corn sweetness across the mid-palate. Lightly nutty orange zest emerges as the beer warms slightly, while spicy, sudsy hops keep the sweetness in check. The Vienna malt addition contributes a barely perceptible toastiness that distinguishes this from thinner mass-market pilsners.

Finish: Crisp and dry with lingering floral hop character and a whisper of cracker malt. The finish is short and clean — exactly what a well-made lager should deliver.

How to Drink Pulaski Pils

Straight from the can or poured into a pilsner glass at 38–42°F, this beer needs no embellishment. It drinks best cold and fresh. For cocktail-adjacent serves, Pulaski Pils works well in a Michelada, where its clean malt base pairs naturally with lime and hot sauce; a Shandy, mixed half-and-half with fresh lemonade for a summer session drink; or a Beergarita, floated atop a frozen margarita where its light body and citrus hops complement the tequila and lime.

Best For

• Stocking the fridge for a Chicago backyard cookout
• Introducing craft-curious friends to well-made lagers
• Pairing with pizza night or casual weeknight dinners
• Bringing a quality 12-pack to a house party or tailgate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pulaski Pils taste like? Pulaski Pils delivers cracker malt, light corn sweetness, and golden bready flavors balanced by floral, slightly citrusy hops and a touch of white pepper spice. The body is light and crisp with a clean, dry finish.

How does Pulaski Pils compare to other craft pilsners? With an 87/100 from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine's blind BJCP panel, Pulaski Pils holds its own against nationally distributed craft pilsners; its Lórien dry hop gives it a subtly floral edge that sets it apart from more traditional examples that rely solely on noble hop varieties.

Is Pulaski Pils good for beginners? Absolutely — at 5.1% ABV with 25 IBUs, Pulaski Pils is approachable and balanced, making it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring craft lagers beyond mainstream brands.

Where is Pulaski Pils made? Pulaski Pils is brewed by Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The brewery operates as a combined brewing and distilling facility.

What foods pair well with Pulaski Pils? Chicago-style hot dogs benefit from the beer's cracker malt and clean carbonation. Grilled bratwurst pairs with its subtle Vienna malt sweetness. Wood-fired pizza matches the light body without overwhelming the palate. Fried fish tacos find a complement in the floral citrus hop notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda echoes the beer's nutty undertones.

What sizes does Pulaski Pils come in? Pulaski Pils is commonly available in 12-packs of 12 oz cans, and may also be found in 6-packs and on draft at the brewery and select Chicago-area establishments.

Is Pulaski Pils worth the price? Pulaski Pils positions as a craft pilsner at an accessible everyday price tier, and its consistent quality — reflected in an 87/100 BeerAdvocate score and nearly 14,000 Untappd ratings — suggests strong value for a locally produced, properly lagered beer.

Why Pulaski Pils?

What separates Pulaski Pils from the growing crowd of craft pilsners is Maplewood's commitment to actual lagering and a distinctive dry-hop addition using Lórien hops from Indie Hops — a variety rarely seen in the style. That choice gives the beer a quiet floral complexity without betraying its pilsner identity. Dual 87/100 scores from BeerAdvocate and Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine's blind judging confirm this isn't just another brewery's obligatory lager offering. For a neighborhood pilsner born in Logan Square, Pulaski Pils punches with a precision and restraint that reward repeat drinking.