Pilsner
A pale lager style known for a crisp finish, noticeable carbonation and a balance between light malt and hop bitterness.
CrispPaleRefreshing
Understanding Pilsner
Pilsner is one of the most influential pale lager families. Different regional interpretations vary in hop aroma, bitterness, malt character and dryness, so the style name describes a family rather than one exact flavour.
What to notice
Look for clarity of malt and hop character, carbonation, bitterness and how dry or lingering the finish feels.
Food context
Crisp lagers are often versatile alongside salty, fried, grilled or lightly spiced foods because carbonation and bitterness can refresh the palate.
Related styles
IPAA hop-forward beer family where aroma, bitterness and fruit, citrus, pine or resin-like hop character often take the lead.Wheat BeerA beer family using a significant proportion of wheat, often associated with soft grain character, lively carbonation and distinctive fermentation aromas.StoutA dark beer family associated with roasted malt flavours that can suggest coffee, cocoa, toast or dark grain.Sour BeerA broad beer category where acidity is an intentional part of the flavour, ranging from lightly tart and refreshing to complex and intensely sour.