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Pilsner Beers for Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to German pilsner
About German pilsner
German pilsners are typically very pale in color, similar to the color of straw, and they have a sweet malty flavor and smell. They may also have a bread-like taste similar to sourdough, biscuits, or crackers. Brewers sometimes add in an herbal, fruity or floral scent or taste to their German pilsners, while others use a yeast strain that produces a scent that resembles sulfur or butter. A German pilsner is the sort of drink you can enjoy on any occasion, whether it's at a family barbecue or an upscale party with your colleagues.Â
They have a lower level of bitterness from hops when compared to other types of pilsner, averaging around 26 international bittering units (IBU). German pilsners can taste dry, bright, refreshing, or crisp. Brewers tend to focus the taste of German pilsners on the hops they use, even when sweet malt or citrus flavors are added in. They often have less alcohol, around 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), and less sugar than other drinks.
Some call German pilsners "pils" for short, and some spell pilsner as "pilsener" because it was originally created in the Czech region in the mid-1800s. This drink also has a long history in the United States. Some of the earliest breweries in the country were founded by German immigrants who brought over their style of brewing German pilsners. Since then, American brewers have experimented with new flavor profiles and methods of creating this traditional German drink, to the point where some distinguish certain types of pilsners brewed in the U.S. as American-style pilsners.
Helpful tips for picking out the best type of German pilsner
German pilsners offer a range of flavor profiles to choose from. Consider what sort of taste you prefer and look for a pilsner that fits your preferences. Traditional German pilsners tend to have a crisper taste that emphasizes the flavor of the hops, while newer varieties, such as American-style German pilsners, may expand to include more citrus or herbal notes. Also look for German pilsners with extra flavors, such as cherry, if you want something a little different.
If you're interested in a German pilsner with a lower alcohol content, check the ABV before you make your choice. Manufacturers may list the ABV on their packaging, but others are available online or by contacting the manufacturer to ask. Also, consider the IBU of your drink, though most German pilsners aren't very bitter. The lower your drink's IBU, the less bitter it tends to be.
Pilsner Near Me
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FAQs about German pilsner
The German pilsner pairs well with a wide variety of food, including:
- Tangy cheese, such as aged white cheddar
- Shellfish and seafood, such as scallops, fish tacos, crab, or lobster
- Chicken dishes, like herb chicken or chicken empanadas
- Salads
- Light desserts, including shortbread cookies
- Spicy dishes, such as Mexican or Indian dishes
- Grilled meat, including bratwurst and hamburgers
- Fried foods, such as chicken or fish
A pilsner is actually a type of lager, so they're more related than you might think. German pilsners are a type of pale lager that originated in Germany. They have a stronger hops taste than other types of lagers, but they use the same cold fermentation technique as other lagers. Both of them take a long time to ferment and produce a crisp and clean flavor because of the extended fermenting time.
Pilsners tend to be lighter than other lagers, and many associate them with a refreshing taste. Some also describe the taste as spicy, not based on heat but because the spiced flavor of the hops stands out so much in a German pilsner.
One of the biggest differences is the source of the hops. German pilsners use hops and malt, similar to what was used in Germany when some of the first pilsners were brewed. American pilsners use local ingredients, including hops that can be found more readily in America. American pilsners have a lighter flavor, and less malt or hops taste. Some also incorporate rice or corn in their brewing process to produce a distinctive flavor profile. Both pilsner styles were popular for being incredibly drinkable, and early brewers used similar cold fermentation techniques to produce both of these drinks.
When you're ready to enjoy a delicious German pilsner yourself, order through the Instacart app, and our shoppers will deliver it to you in as little as 2 hours! Don't forget to add on some shortbread cookies, aged white cheddar, or a quick chicken meal to enjoy the flavor of your pilsner to its fullest!