On a trip to San Diego, we stopped at one of the six Karl Strauss Brewing Company restaurants and I opted for the sampler. The first selection was the Woodie Gold.

From the Karl Strauss site.
“Woodie Gold is a nod to a classic European lager. We use Noble Saaz hops for the spicy floral aroma and soft hop bitterness true to authentic Czech pilsners. A base of bread-like malt flavors from the finest pale barley provides a delicate balance. Softening techniques to duplicate the water found in the Bohemian countryside and cold conditioning give Woodie Gold its crisp refreshing taste”

The Woodie Gold has the following characteristics

• Appearance: Clear, golden color. Good foam. An average amount of lacing.
• Aroma: A crisp, malt scent tempered by the hops.
• Taste: Slight carbonation and thin mouthfeel. Thin body with a slight malt flavor a soft finish.
• ABV: 4.5%

When sampling a craft brew, I try to pick a quality name product that the brewer is attempting to replicate. In this case, Karl Strauss may have been aiming for a Pilsner Urquell but made something a little closer to Budweiser. Not good, not bad, just Bud.