Craft Beer Styles # 23 - International-Style Pilsener




Craft Beer Storm show

Summary: International-Style Pilsener (LAGER BEER STYLES)<br><br>A classic German-style Pilsner is straw to pale in color with a malty sweetness that can be perceived in aroma and flavor. Perception of hop bitterness is medium to high. Noble-type hop aroma and flavor are moderate and quite obvious. (“Noble Hops” which refers to four variety of continental European hops originally grown in Central Europe. The four hop varieties are Tetnanger, Spalt, Hallertauer and Saaz.) Distinctly different from the Bohemian-style pilsner, this style is lighter in color and body and has a lower perceived hop bitterness.<br><br>The hallmark of a fresh pilsner is the dense, white head. The alcohol levels must be such as to give a rounded mouthfeel, typically around 5 percent ABV. Classic pilsners are thoroughly refreshing, but they are delicate and must be fresh to show their best. Great pilsners are technically difficult to make and relatively expensive to produce.<br><br>Subcategory: International-Style Pilsener- These beers are often brewed with<br>rice, corn, wheat, or other grains making up part of the mash.<br><br>Subcategory: Australasian, Latin American or Tropical-Style Light Lager– <br>Sugar, corn, rice, and other cereal grains are used as adjuncts.<br><br>-Color - Straw to pale<br><br>-Clarity: Appearance should be bright; chill haze should not be present<br><br>-Perceived Malt Aroma &amp; Flavor: Residual malt aroma and flavor may be perceived at low levels<br><br>-Hop Aroma and Flavor and Bitterness Low<br><br>-Body: Low to medium<br><br>-ABV: 4.6%-5.3% - American style Pilsner by comparison has higher ABV than other Pilsners<br><br>-Glassware: Flute glass – (c/o Beer Advocate) The world of champagne lends elegance to certain types of beer. Long and narrow bodies ensure that carbonation doesn't dissipate too quickly and showcase a lively carbonation or sparkling color. Stems will often be a bit shorter than the traditional champagne glass, but not necessarily. <br><br>Examples (courtesy of Beer Advocate)<br>(<a href="https://www.beeradvocate.com" rel="noopener">https://www.beeradvocate.com</a>)<br><br>Prima Pils | Victory Brewing Company - Downingtown<br><br>Brewed by: <br>Victory Brewing Company - Downingtown <br>Pennsylvania, United States<br>victorybeer.com <br><br>Style: German Pilsner <br><br>Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.30% <br><br>Notes / Commercial Description: <br>Prima! It’s a German exclamation of joy. It’s a recognition of accomplishment. It’s what escaped from our lips the first time we sampled this mighty pilsner recipe. With heaps of whole flower European hops and fine German malts, we achieved the bracing herbal bite and smooth malt flavor that we sought. Prima… an exclamation of Victory! Prost!<br><br><br>Premium Beer | Bitburger Brauerei<br><br>Brewed by: <br>Bitburger Brauerei <br>Germany<br>bitburger.de <br><br>Style: German Pilsner <br><br>Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.80% <br><br>Notes / Commercial Description: <br>Also known as Premium Pils<br><br>Note first the bright, fresh golden colour and rich frothy head so typical of this elegant Pilsner beer. Its refined herbal notes are delicately poised, followed by a nutty and honeyed aftertaste. The overall impression of this gently sparkling beer is one of deep harmony, with the unmistakeable bitterness of the hops balanced and contained by an agreeable, mellow sweetness in the body.<br><br>Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: <br><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2" rel="noopener">https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2</a><br><br>Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH<br><br>Michael Potorti<br>Founder/Brewer<br>Host of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcast<br>