Step into Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden in West Seattle and you are hit by the chill vibe: it’s accommodating, dog-friendly, and the draft list is a rotating mural of Washington’s best craft beer. With 30+ taps to choose from, the “analysis paralysis” is for real.
So, when you’re staring down a menu of exceptional IPAs, barrel-aged goodness, and top craft beer from the top breweries in Washington, our advice is simple: Start with a lighter Pilsner like the Obec Brewing Czech Pils.
Produced by the lager masters over at Obec Brewing in Ballard, Seattle, this flagship pilsner isn’t just a “session” beer; it’s a masterclass in balance that primes your palate for the afternoon ahead. Here is why we made it our first pour.
1. A Palate Cleanser with Seattle Character
Most people reach for a pilsner because they want something “light.” While Obec’s Czech Pils is certainly refreshing, it’s far from “watery.”
- The Flavor: You get a rich, bready maltiness (think fresh-baked crackers) that is immediately met by the spicy, floral snap of traditional Saaz hops.
- The Finish: It’s crisp and clean. Unlike a heavy IPA that coats your tongue in resin, this pilsner scrubs the palate, making it the perfect “reset button” before you move on to more aggressive styles.
2. The “Honesty” of this Craft Beer Style
In the brewing world, there’s a saying: You can’t hide behind a pilsner. Without a mountain of hops or fruit purée to mask flaws, the beer has to be perfect. Obec (the Czech word for “community”) has built its reputation on European-style lagers that require immense patience and technical skill. Starting your day with this craft beer is a great way to appreciate the craftsmanship that Ounces Taphouse & Beer Garden curates for its taps.
3. Exceptional for Enjoying the Ounces Taphouse & Beer Garden
Ounces is an outdoor-heavy venue. Whether you’re sitting inside the glass structure with heaters in January or in the lounge chairs under the umbrellas in July, the 5.0% ABV of the Obec Czech Pils is the “Goldilocks” of alcohol content. It’s light enough that you won’t be headed for a nap by 3:00 PM, but flavorful enough to feel like a treat.
Wee Tip for Your Visit to Ounces Taphouse & Beer Garden
Spending time in the Ounces Taphouse glass beer garden structure with the sun shining outside, even on a frigid January, was an enjoyable experience. Bring some friends, grab a table with the overhead heater, and it is quite a comfortable and heart-warming spot to enjoy Washington craft beer.
And the next time you’re at Ounces Taphouse, skip the IPA for round one. Give your taste buds a refined start with Obec Brewing’s Czech Pils. Your palate will thank you by round three.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
