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BJCP 2021 / 5D

German Pils

A crisp, dry, hop-forward lager that finishes clean and bitter.

  • Drink fresh
  • standard strength
  • pale color
  • bottom fermented
  • lagered

Serve: 38 to 42F, Pilsner glass

OG1.120
1.044 to 1.050
FG1.030
1.008 to 1.013
IBU120
22 to 40
SRM40
2 to 4
ABV14%
4.4 to 5.2%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Floral, spicy or herbal hop is the lead
  • Light cracker-like pale malt
  • Clean and lagery
Vague
Hoppy
Better
Spicy floral hop over light malt
Best
Moderate floral and spicy noble hop aroma over low cracker malt, clean lager yeast

Appearance

3 pts
  • Very pale straw to light gold
  • Brilliantly clear
  • Dense white head with long retention
Vague
Pale
Better
Pale gold, clear, thick head
Best
Pale gold, brilliantly clear, dense white head that lingers

Flavor

20 pts
  • Crisp pale malt, lightly bready
  • Noble hop flavor
  • Clean, dry bitterness that lingers
Vague
Bitter
Better
Crisp malt and firm hop
Best
Low cracker malt, moderate spicy and floral hop flavor, firm clean bitterness lingering into a dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium-light body
  • Medium to high carbonation
  • Crisp and clean
Vague
Crisp
Better
Light body, crisp, fizzy
Best
Medium-light body, crisp, medium-high carbonation, clean finish

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Hop freshness
  • Dryness
  • Bright carbonation

Drops it

  • Sweetness
  • Staleness
  • Rough bitterness

Writing tip

Describe the finish. Example: 'Crisp noble hop with a dry, clean, lingering bitterness. Excellent freshness.'

Pour these

  • Bitburger Premium PilsBitburger BrauereiThe model of dry, crisp bitterness
  • Jever PilsenerFriesisches Brauhaus zu JeverVery dry and assertively bitter
  • Prima PilsVictory BrewingA US benchmark with bright noble hop

Often confused with

Fine here

  • DMS: A trace from pilsner malt is tolerated

Ruinous here

  • Light-struck: Skunk from clear or green glass
  • Oxidized: Hop aroma collapses into cardboard
  • Astringent: Harsh grip from sparging problems

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.