German Pils
- Recipes:
- 7,939
- BJCP 2021:
- 05D
- Era:
- Traditional
- Origin:
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- Fermentation:
- Bottom
- Conditioning:
- Lagered
- Color:
- Pale
- Strength:
- Normal
- Taste:
- Bitter
Profile
German Pils, a classic beer style, is widely recognized for its refreshing and crisp character. This style originated in Germany in the 19th century as a response to the burgeoning popularity of Czech Pilsners. German brewers adapted the approach by utilizing local ingredients which contributed to a beer that is both unique and distinct from its Czech counterpart.
In terms of appearance, the German Pils exhibits a brilliant clarity with a pale gold to deep gold coloration. Effervescent and topped with a dense, white, creamy head, it often leaves considerable lacing on the glass as it is consumed. This visually appealing presentation invites a closer inspection of its aromas and flavors. The flavor profile of German Pils is marked by a distinctive grainy-sweet malty presence balanced against a pronounced yet smooth noble hop bitterness. The hop flavor showcases herbal, floral, or spicy notes characteristic of varieties like Hallertauer Mittelfrüh , Tettnanger, Spalter or Hersbrucker. A clean fermentation character allows these flavors to shine without interference from esters or diacetyl that are sometimes present in ale fermentations. The aroma aligns with the taste; noble hops dominate and are complemented by the light maltiness with perhaps a touch of sulfur.
In relation to other styles, while it shares many characteristics with Czech Pilsners – particularly being part of the larger Pilsner family – the German interpretation is generally drier and bitterer with brighter hop flavors but less malt prominence than its Bohemian counterparts.
Specifications
Alcohol
Specification
4.4 – 5.2 %
In Database
4.1 < 5.0 < 5.6 %
Bitterness
Specification
22 – 40 IBU
In Database
17 < 32 < 46 IBU
Color
Specification
4 – 8 EBC
2 – 4 SRM
In Database
4 < 7 < 9 EBC
2 < 3 < 5 SRM
Original Extract
Specification
10.9 – 12.3 °P
1.044 – 1.050 OG
In Database
10.1 < 11.9 < 13.9 °P
1.040 < 1.048 < 1.057 OG
Final Gravity
Specification
2.1 – 3.3 °P
1.008 – 1.013 FG
In Database
1.2 < 2.8 < 4.2 °P
1.005 < 1.011 < 1.016 FG