German-Style Pilsener – European Origin Lager Styles

German-Style Pilsener Style

  • Color: Straw to pale
  • Clarity: Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: A malty sweet aroma and flavor should be present at low levels. Bready or light biscuity attributes may be present.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Hop aroma and flavor is moderate and pronounced, derived from late hopping (not dry hopping) with noble-type hops.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Medium to high
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity-ester and DMS should not be present. These are well attenuated beers.
  • Body: Low to medium-low
  • Additional notes: The head should be dense, pure white and persistent.

German-Style Pilsener Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.044-1.052 (11-12.9 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.006-1.012 (1.5-3.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.6%-4.2% (4.6%-5.3%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 25-50
  • Color SRM (EBC) 3-4(6-8 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Lager Styles – European Origin Lager Styles – German-Style Pilsener