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German Pilsner

German Pilsner is a crisp, pale lager with a prominent hop bitterness and floral, herbal, or spicy hop character from noble hops like Saaz, Hallertau, Tettnanger, and Spalt. Developed in the mid-19th century as Germany's answer to Czech Pilsner, it features a distinctly drier and more bitter profile with a clean fermentation character, medium-light body, and excellent head retention, traditionally brewed with German pilsner malt and soft water.

ABV Range
4.5-5.2%
IBU Range
25-45
Beers
2

Perfect Pairings for German Pilsner

Discover dishes that pair perfectly with German Pilsner beers

A

Asian stir-fries

Multiple Proteins • Asian • Umami

Main Course

Asian stir-fries typically feature a complex balance of umami, sweet, salty and sometimes spicy flavors with varying textures. Aromatic white wines with a touch of sweetness like Riesling help balance any heat while cutting through rich sauces, while crisp beers with moderate hop character cleanse the palate between bites.

B

Bruschetta

Vegetarian • Italian • Fresh & Bright

Appetizer

Classic bruschetta features fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil atop toasted bread, creating a vibrant appetizer with bright acidity and herbal notes. The recommended pairings complement bruschetta's freshness without overwhelming its delicate flavors, while providing enough structure to stand up to the garlic and acidity of the tomatoes.

C

Cajun seafood boil

Shellfish • Cajun • Spicy

Main Course

The vibrant spices and complex seafood flavors of a Cajun boil demand beverages that can both complement the heat and cleanse the palate between bites. Off-dry white wines provide a touch of sweetness to balance the spice, while beers with high carbonation and lighter bodies help cut through the richness while cooling the palate.

C

Ceviche

Fish • Latin American • Tangy/Acidic

Appetizer

Ceviche's bright citrus acidity, delicate seafood flavors, and fresh herbs call for crisp, high-acid wines and refreshing beers with complementary citrus notes. The recommended pairings enhance the dish's vibrant flavors while providing enough structure to stand up to its acidity without overwhelming the subtle seafood components.

C

Crab cakes

Shellfish • American • Rich & Bold

Appetizer

Crab cakes feature sweet, delicate crabmeat with a rich, satisfying texture, typically enhanced with herbs, spices, and a crisp exterior from pan-frying. The ideal pairings balance this richness with either complementary creaminess or contrasting brightness and acidity, while respecting the subtle sweetness of the crab meat.

F

Fish tacos

Fish • Mexican • Fresh & Bright

Main Course

Fish tacos feature delicate white fish with bright citrus, herbs, and often creamy or spicy elements that call for crisp, refreshing beverages with good acidity. The recommended wines offer citrus and mineral notes that complement the fish while cutting through any richness, while the suggested beers provide refreshing carbonation and subtle fruit or spice notes that enhance rather than overwhelm the tacos.

F

Fresh lake fish

Fish • American • Light & Delicate

Main Course

Fresh lake fish typically offers delicate, clean flavors that call for beverages that won't overpower the subtle qualities of the fish. Crisp, high-acid wines and lighter beers with good carbonation help cleanse the palate while enhancing rather than competing with the fish's natural characteristics.

F

Fresh seafood

Shellfish • null • Light & Delicate

Main Course

Fresh seafood generally presents delicate, sweet flavors with subtle briny notes that require beverages that won't overpower them. The recommended wines offer crisp acidity and mineral qualities that enhance rather than compete with seafood's natural flavors, while the beer options provide refreshing carbonation and complementary citrus notes that cleanse the palate between bites.

F

Fresh summer vegetables

Vegetarian • Fresh & Bright

Side Dish

The clean, herbaceous qualities of Sauvignon Blanc and the crisp minerality of Grüner Veltliner accentuate the natural flavors of fresh summer vegetables without overwhelming them. Similarly, the bright effervescence of a Saison or the crisp clarity of a Pilsner will complement the vegetables' natural sweetness while providing refreshing counterpoints to their earthy notes.

F

Freshwater fish

Fish • Light & Delicate

Main Course

Freshwater fish typically has a more delicate flavor profile compared to saltwater varieties, calling for beverages that won't overwhelm its subtle qualities. Crisp, high-acid white wines and lighter, clean beers complement the fish while providing refreshing contrast that enhances rather than competes with the natural flavors.

G

Greek lamb souvlaki

Lamb • Greek • Savory

Main Course

Greek lamb souvlaki features tender grilled lamb with Mediterranean herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, typically served with tzatziki and pita. The dish's savory, charred character and aromatic herbs call for wines with structure and bright fruit that can stand up to the lamb while complementing the Mediterranean seasonings, while the beer pairings offer refreshing carbonation that cuts through the richness of the meat.

G

Grilled fish

Fish • International • Light & Delicate

Main Course

Grilled fish typically offers a clean, delicate flavor profile with subtle smoky notes from the grilling process. The recommended pairings focus on crisp, high-acid wines and refreshing beers that complement rather than overpower the fish, while providing enough structure to match the light char and natural oils.