Why "Ring the Bell" is the Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

But if you’re like me, "just a beer" still needs to taste like something.

Score: 7.8

Location: Conshohocken, PA

Let’s be honest: sometimes you don’t want a Milkshake IPA that tastes like a fruit basket, and you definitely don’t want a Barrel Aged Stout that requires a fork to drink. Sometimes, you just want a beer.

But if you’re like me, "just a beer" still needs to taste like something.

Enter Ring the Bell, the unfiltered pilsner from Pennsylvania’s own Conshohocken Brewing Company. I grabbed a pint at a local grub spot. Here is why this brew deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.

The Pour

Right out of the tap, you can tell this isn’t your standard mass-market lager. Because it’s an unfiltered pilsner (often called a Kellerbier style), it pours a beautiful, slightly hazy golden straw color. It’s got a fluffy white head that sticks around just long enough to invite that first sip. It looks like liquid sunshine in a glass.

The Taste

Here is where things get interesting. A traditional pilsner is usually crisp and bready. Ring the Bell has that, thanks to a solid Pilsner malt backbone that gives it a cracker-like sweetness.

But then comes the twist.

Conshohocken brews this with Chinook hops. If you’re an IPA drinker, you know Chinook for its piney, spicy character. In this beer, it doesn't punch you in the face; instead, it adds a crisp, lemony, slightly spicy "kick" at the finish. It bridges the gap perfectly between a boring lawnmower beer and a complex craft ale.

The Vibe

This is the ultimate utility player of beers. It’s light enough for a tailgate or a hot day mowing the lawn, but flavorful enough to pair with a burger or pizza. It’s the kind of beer you hand to your friend who "doesn't like craft beer," and suddenly they are asking for another one.

The Verdict

I’m giving Ring the Bell a solid 7.8 out of 10

It doesn’t try to be the loudest beer in the room, but it’s easily one of the most reliable. If you are in the Greater Philadelphia area or spot those distinct red and blue cans on the shelf, do yourself a favor and grab them.

Have you tried Ring the Bell? Let me know in the comments if you prefer unfiltered lagers or the crystal-clear classics!