Modern Craft Beer Design: 5 of the Best Pilsners
A Brief History of Pilsners
First brewed in the Czech city of Pilsen in the mid-19th century, pilsners quickly became the most popular style of beer in the world. This pale lager is typically light in color, with a crisp and refreshing taste and a mild bitterness. For many beer drinkers, the pilsner is the perfect beer for a hot summer day.
What Makes a Modern Pilsner Different?
In recent years, craft breweries have been putting their own spin on the classic pilsner style. These modern pilsners often have a more complex flavor profile, with notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and even spice. They may be hoppier than traditional pilsners, with a higher alcohol content as well.
5 of the Best Modern Pilsners
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Firestone Walker Pivo Pils
This California brewery has won numerous awards for its take on the classic pilsner style. Pivo Pils is a hoppy, refreshing beer with a distinct Saaz hop character. It’s low in alcohol and easy to drink, but still has enough complexity to satisfy beer geeks.
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Allagash Crosspath
This Portland, Maine brewery is known for its Belgian-style beers, but they also make an excellent pilsner. Crosspath is brewed with Continental hops and a Belgian yeast strain, giving it a spicy, floral flavor profile. It’s a refreshing beer with a dry finish that pairs well with food.
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Cigar City Table Saison
This Florida brewery is best known for its bold, hoppy IPAs, but they also make a great pilsner. Table Saison is a light, refreshing beer with a crisp, clean taste and a subtle hop profile. It’s the perfect beer to drink with a meal, as it won’t overpower the flavors of your food.
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Weihenstephaner Pilsner
This German brewery has been around for over 1,000 years, and they know a thing or two about brewing beer. Their Pilsner is a classic example of the style, with a clean, crisp taste and a mild hop profile. It’s a great beer to drink on a hot summer day, or to pair with German food.
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Troegs Sunshine Pils
This Pennsylvania brewery is known for its hoppy IPAs, but they also make a great pilsner. Sunshine Pils is a light, refreshing beer with a citrusy hop character and a crisp, dry finish. It’s a perfect beer for drinking on a warm day, or for pairing with spicy food.
Conclusion
Modern craft breweries are always looking for new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional beer styles. These 5 pilsners represent some of the best examples of modern craft beer design, with their complex flavor profiles, unique hop profiles, and crisp, refreshing finishes. Whether you’re a beer geek or a casual drinker, you’re sure to find something to love in these great pilsners.