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The Brewer: Cheyne Harvey
I started homebrewing in 2019 when a co-worker was moving and hooked me up with everything I needed to jump right into all-grain brewing. I fell deep into the rabbit hole and haven't looked back since.
I joined my local club, Arizona Society of Homebrewers (ASH), a couple years later and started competing in local competitions for fun. This eventually led me to competing at random competitions throughout the country and I've even won some hardware in England and Scotland. I love brewing all styles but especially love British styles and would love to concentrate on them more.
The Beer: New Zealand Pilsner
This beer came into existence simply to use up some New Zealand hops I had in my freezer. The grain bill is simple: 75% Pilsner malt, 25% Wheat malt. The hops are the star here, but the wheat gives a little bit of body and bready character for the hops to lay on top of.
For hops, I think any NZ varieties would work well in this beer. For this recipe, I used some new-to-me Nectaron hops in the dry hop to go along with Motueka. The beer is a very easy-drinking hoppy lager - enjoy!
The Recipe: Whakapapa Pilsner
INGREDIENTS
GRAIN
- 7.75 lbs Weyermann Pilsner Malt
-
2.5 lbs Weyermann Wheat Malt
HOPS
- Boil hops: 0.45 oz Pacific Jade - 0:60 min
- Boil hops: 0.33 oz Motueka - 0:30 min
- Boil hops: 0.4 oz Nelson - 0:15 min
- Boil hops: .0.45 oz Motueka - 0:05 min
- Boil hops: 0.5 oz Motueka - 0:05 min
- Boil hops: 1.25 oz Nelson - 0:20 min whirlpool
YEAST
- SafLager 34/70
INSTRUCTIONS
BATCH SIZE: 5 gal
OG: 1.052
FG: 1.010
IBU: 39
ABV: 5.5%
EFFICIENCY: 71%
MASH TEMP: 144 ºF
BOIL: 60 min
FERMENTATION:
50º F - 5 Days
60º F - 8 Days
45º F - 3 Days
35º F - 2 Days
Cheers!
Cheyne – Pagan Brewing
Spike Summarizes: All Things Pilsner Beer
What Is Pilsner Beer?
If you're in the mood for a refreshing and bubbly beer, you might want to try Pilsner! This type of lager is famous for its light and crisp taste, thanks to the pale malts and bottom-fermenting yeast used in its brewing.
It's a popular choice in bars and restaurants worldwide, and it's easy to see why. Pilsner is perfect for summer sipping and pairs well with all kinds of dishes, from spicy Mexican cuisine to light salads.
So whether you're a die-hard Pilsner fan or itching to try something new, rest assured there's a Pilsner beer for everyone.
What Are the Characteristics of Pilsner Beer?
Let's break down the key features that make a Pilsner beer stand out:
- Light golden color, resulting from the pale malt used in brewing
- Mild flavor with a slight hop aroma and a crisp, dry finish
- Balanced hop bitterness and malt sweetness
- Alcohol content ranging from 4-6% ABV
- Brewed using pale malt, hops, yeast, and water
- Typically served cold in a tall, slender pilsner glass, designed to showcase its color, carbonation, and foam retention
With its mild flavor and easy-drinking nature, Pilsner is perfect for those who want a lighter beer that still packs a flavorful punch.
What Is the History of Pilsner Beer?
It all started in the mid-19th century in Plzeň, Bohemia (which is now known as the Czech Republic). A Bavarian brewer named Josef Groll brewed the very first Pilsner back in 1842, using pale malts and a special type of hops from the nearby Žatec region.
The result was a refreshing beer with a light color and crisp taste that quickly became popular all over Europe and beyond!
The name "Pilsner" actually pays tribute to its birthplace, Plzeň. And nowadays, any beer brewed in the same style as the original is also referred to as a Pilsner.
What Are the Types of Pilsner Beer?
Now, let’s dive into the four main types of Pilsner beer: American, Belgian, Czech, and German.
American Pilsner
American Pilsner is a light-bodied, golden lager that’s brewed with pale malt and noble hops, creating a crisp flavor with just a touch of floral aroma. Perfect for those lazy summer afternoons or as a go-to brew, this style is fermented at lower temperatures to achieve a clean, smooth taste.
Belgian Pilsner
Belgian Pilsner delights the senses with its light golden color and distinctive flavor profile, thanks to the unique Belgian yeast strain. The result? A spicy, herbal aroma that sets this pilsner apart.
Brewed with two-row barley, wheat, and hops, Belgian Pilsners boast a bubbly texture and a light, floral hop character. Pair this easy-drinking beer with light salads, seafood, or grilled meats, and let the good times flow.
Czech Pilsner
Czech Pilsner, the style that started it all, hails from the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. A light-bodied, golden beer with a pleasant, mildly sweet maltiness, Czech Pilsners are brewed with just four ingredients: barley malt, hops, water, and yeast.
The Saaz hops from the Czech Republic lend a moderate hop aroma and flavor, with hints of spiciness, grassiness, or herbal notes. If you're craving a true classic, look no further than Czech Pilsner.
German Pilsner
German Pilsner, also known as German Pils, is a timeless brew with a light color, crisp flavor, and moderate bitterness. This style is brewed with a blend of barley and hops and fermented with a lager yeast strain.
They offer a clean, refreshing taste that has beer aficionados coming back for more. Pair it with grilled meats, fish, salads, or spicy dishes, and you've got yourself a winning combo.
What Do I Pair With a Pilsner?
Pilsner's mild, slightly sweet flavor and light body make it a versatile choice for food pairings:
- Seafood: Grilled salmon, steamed lobster, and shrimp
- Cheeses: Sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or gouda work well
- Meats: Grilled steak or pork dishes, like pulled pork sandwiches or pork chops
- Desserts: Anything sweet should pair nicely
What Is the Difference Between a Pilsner and a Lager Beer?
Pilsner beer is brewed using a bottom-fermenting yeast while lagers are brewed using a top-fermenting yeast, which gives each beer a distinct flavor profile. Pilsner beers also tend to be light and crisp with a slightly sweet, malty flavor, while lagers are generally more full-bodied with a slightly bitter, hoppy taste.
