The World’s Best Pilsner—According To The World Beer Cup

Pilsner was one of the most popular beer categories at this year’s prestigious World Beer Cup, which is often referred to as the Olympics of the beer world. More than 600 pilsners were submitted across four subcategories, but only four pilsners took home gold medals.

These elite and crisp beers were selected by an expert panel of judges this spring in Las Vegas at the annual beer competition presented by the Brewers Association — an organization representing small and independent brewers. I previously wrote about German-style pilsners awarded at the festival, as well as several IPA categories and other Forbes contributors have taken a closer look at IPAs overall.

Even though the IPA still reigns supreme as the most popular beer style, pilsners are getting more and more attention, and are probably the most popular current beer style with brewers themselves. It’s not hard to see why. They are complex yet easy to drink, and pilsners really highlight a brewer’s skill because you can’t hide any imperfections behind loads of hop flavors or aroma. Plus with sub-styles ranging from German to Boehmian to American and more, different types of pilsners can appeal to different drinkers.

Here are the four pilsners deemed the world’s best for 2024.

Best International Pilsner (out of 133 Entries) : Venga, Cerveceria Colorado, Denver, CO

The brewery describes Venga as a traditional Mexican lager “fermented cold with Mexican lager yeast,” and as a “ light and easy drinking beer.” The brewery recommends serving the refreshing beer “Chelada-style with rimmed salt and a lime wedge.”

Best German-style Pilsner (Out of 221 entries): Pilsner, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR

Named simply “pilsner” this beer “shines brilliantly gold with fluffy white foam,” and features “Aromas of fresh grass, spring flowers, with a touch of lemon zest quaffs from the glass,” according to the brewery. As I previously wrote: “Good news for Oregon beer lovers: This beer ships statewide. Bad news for the rest of us: It isn’t available for shipping outside of Oregon.”

Best Bohemian-Style Pilsner (Out 152 entries) : Bublina, BarrieHaus Beer Co., Tampa, Fl

Made with Moravian malt and Saaz hops this beer is all about creating authentic Bohemian pilsner flavors. Per the brewery: “The ‘bublina’ or bubbles in this beer are best experienced in Tubinger tankards from Czech side-pull faucets.”

Best American-Style Pilsner (Out of 126 Entries): 401K, Freetail Brewing Co., San Antonio, TX

Perfect for pilsner fans who want a little bit of hop bite, this hopped pilsner is clean and crisp with loads of Amarillo and Strata hops. You can find out more about 401K at the brewery’s website, though there’s no word if it also comes with a dental plan.