German Pils.

The story of German Pils begins in the mid-19th century, inspired by the groundbreaking creation of Pilsner beer in the city of Pilsen (Plzeň) in what is now the Czech Republic. In 1842, Josef Groll, a Bavarian brewer whose brother and friend were responsible for discovering malting techniques that led to the discovery of paler malts as we covered here, revolutionized brewing with the first Pilsner, a pale lager that was crystal clear, crisp, and bitter, thanks to the use of Saaz hops and pale malt. This new style quickly gained popularity, and its success soon spread across Europe and into the UK where it became responsible for the creation of pale ale.

German brewers, renowned for their precision and innovation, were quick to take note. They admired the clarity and refreshing qualities of the Pilsner but wanted to adapt it to local tastes and ingredients. Thus, the German Pils was born, a distinctly German interpretation of the Czech original. The word Pils is used to make sure you know it is a German Pilsner, which is different than the Czech version.

German Pils Development

While the Czech Pilsner was characterized by its soft water, mild bitterness, and a slight malt sweetness, German brewers worked with their local conditions and ingredients to create something with a sharper, more pronounced bitterness. The water in many parts of Germany, particularly in the brewing regions of Bavaria and Northern Germany, was harder and more alkaline, which accentuated the bitterness of the hops.

German brewers also favored their native noble hop varieties, such as Hallertau, Tettnang, and Spalt, which imparted a floral, spicy, and herbal character distinct from the Czech Saaz hops. The resulting beer was lighter in color, drier, and more aggressively hopped than its Czech counterpart, aligning with the German preference for clean, well-defined flavors.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, German Pils had established itself as one of the most popular beer styles in Germany, and it remains a staple of German beer culture today.

Evaluating German Pils According to BJCP Guidelines

The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides detailed guidelines for evaluating beer styles, including German Pils. According to the BJCP, German Pils falls under the "Pilsner" category, specifically labeled as "German Pils" or "Pils."

BJCP Style Guidelines (as of 2021):

1. Overall Impression:

   • German Pils is described as a crisp, clean, refreshing, and bitter German pale lager with a strong hop flavor and aroma. It is well-attenuated, giving it a dry finish.

2. Aroma:

   • The aroma should feature a prominent hop character, typically floral, spicy, or herbal from noble hops. A light grainy-sweet malt aroma may be present but should not overshadow the hops. The aroma is generally clean, with minimal or no fruity esters, diacetyl, or DMS (Dimethyl Sulfide).

3. Appearance:

   • German Pils should be straw to light gold in color, with brilliant clarity. The head is usually white, dense, and long-lasting, adding to its visual appeal.

4. Flavor:

   • The flavor profile is dominated by a crisp and pronounced hop bitterness, balanced by a light to moderate grainy-sweet malt backbone. The malt should not be too sweet, and the bitterness should linger into a dry finish. The hop flavor should be noticeable, with a character consistent with noble hops (floral, spicy, or herbal). The flavor should be clean, with no diacetyl or fruity esters.

5. Mouthfeel:

   • The body should be light to medium, with a medium to high carbonation level. The overall sensation should be smooth and crisp, with no astringency.

6. Comments:

   • German Pils is often drier and crisper than the Czech Pilsner, with a more pronounced hop character. The beer should be refreshing and well-balanced, with a lean malt character that allows the hops to shine.

7. Vital Statistics:

   • IBU (Bitterness): 22-40

   • SRM (Color): 2-5

   • OG (Original Gravity): 1.044-1.050

   • FG (Final Gravity): 1.008-1.013

   • ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 4.4-5.2%

     
     

Conclusion

German Pils is a masterful adaptation of the original Czech Pilsner, crafted to suit the tastes and brewing conditions of Germany. It is a beer that exemplifies the German commitment to precision, balance, and quality. Under the BJCP guidelines, German Pils is judged on its ability to deliver a crisp, clean, and refreshing experience with a prominent hop character and a dry finish. Whether enjoyed in a Bavarian beer garden or a local pub, German Pils continues to be a beloved staple of the beer world, celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and refreshingly bitter bite.

If you are looking for a German Pils in Calgary, one of our favourites is from Buffalo 9 brewing. Be sure to ask for a stop there when you book Calgary's best brewery tour with YYCTOURS. Every trip is educational and you will certainly elevate your beer game by heading out with our team.