What’s Your Go-To German Pilsner?

I also like Jever; if I'm in the mood for a pilsner I'll walk to the German specialty store in my neighborhood (UES) and see what they have.

 

For me it’s König.

No offense, but of your three, I feel like there’s a good chance one might not be technically true, and another one isn’t “German” for me - both in terms of origin and execution.

 

I know it's not a sexy reply, but I've really been in enjoying the Bitburger .5 liter cans of late. I love Prima Pils, but of lately all Victory lager products I buy are cloudy and murky. I know it's about the taste, but for lagers, I also want a crystal clear beer and I can't stand drinking a murky cloudy lager.

 

Ayinger Bavarian pils

 

Bittburger finds its way into my fridge throughout the year.

Weinstephaner Pils is hard to beat, in this category.

 

Ditto. Sexy is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

 

As far as go to always available choices I'd have to say Konig and Jack's Abby Post Shift. Assuming we're talking German style.

 

Post Shift Pilsner from Jack's Abby is accessible and reasonably priced.
Ol' Factory Pils from Two Roads Brewing is a good back up. Cheers.

 

Age here is always the problem. There’s just no way I’m buying a 16 month old Jever and he sits on the top shelf sucking up light 24/7/365. At least from what I see these are the slowest moving beers in the store, the bottom shelf beers are caked in dust. If I’m paying full price and really none of these beers are being given away, I’m buying local beers that I know are fresh and dated. It’s damn tough finding a Pils Urquell that is under 6 months old, and IMO this beer is the fastest turner in the style. From a retailer standpoint it’s a waste of money, it’s really a shame, but perhaps every region is a bit different but they don’t move.

 

Wait, where are you getting Spaten Pils? They stopped importing that a long time ago.

 

Yes, how did I fail to mention Post Shift? Love that brew.

Edit: Damn, this thread makes me miss Sam Adams Noble Pils. I remember having an absurdly huge mug of that on a Saturday afternoon at Wickenden Pub many years ago. Lovely time.

 

Radeberger.

 

Probably a 4pk of Krombacher or Bitburger for the price. Rothaus is pretty much always available to me, so that’s usually my first pick over the other two.

 

Rothaus would definitely be my go to if it weren't for the price.

Ardent Pils is my go to here in NOVA.

 

Wernersgrüner Pils from Aldi.

König Pils If I can find it, and it is not too old.

Many German Pilsners are hard to find around here, or are a year past the best by date.

A local small brewery makes a good one, Professional Pils by Drafting Table Brewing.

I'm currently out of homebrewed German Pils, and I need to do another when the weather cools.

 

For me it is basically a tie between Sterling Pig Shoat Pilsner and Root Down Pils. But the new addition of Oxbow Luppolo to my area is making me think it should be a three way tie?

I enjoy drinking Jever when I can find it fresh; it has been a couple of years since I have bought a six-pack of Jever since it has been too old.

Cheers!

 

Warsteiner or Bit. They're usually fresh and I like that they aren't overly dry. Especially Warsteiner. I like my pilsners rounder.
It only shows up once in a blue moon, but if I could get Rothaus Tannenzäpfle more often I don't think I'd drink anything else. Even when it's old it's still amazing.

EDIT: If American takes count, Bierstadt and Dry Dock for sure.

 

You're just trying to stir the pot. I can see right through you.

 

Bierstadt Lagerhaus Slow Pour Pils. Since the pandemic, available at better local craft beer stores at around $11 a four pack of 500ml cans. Always fresh too because they move so quickly around here.