The World’s Best German-Style Pilsners—According To The World Beer Cup

Pilsners are an increasingly popular category at the World Beer Cup, the prestigious competition organized each year by the Brewers Association, a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to independent brewers. Each year the World Beer Cup crowns the best beers in more than 100 categories.

This year the German-style pilsner category had 221 entries, making it the most popular pilsner category and one of the most popular categories in the competition overall. From that vast competition field, judges selected three medalists.

For years pilsners have served as something of a secret handshake among brewers. The clean, crisp style doesn’t allow anywhere for imperfections to hide, so a brewer who can make one well, knows what they are doing. Recently the style has surged in popularity outside of brewers and pilsners have become a common sight at most breweries, a significant change from the past.

One of the most popular subvarients of the pilsner, is the German-style pilsner. Known for their straw to pale color and malt sweetness, German-style pilsners also have a lighter color and body and “lower perceived hop bitterness” according to CraftBeer.com. Because of this, German pilsners can be a great summer drink that still has lots of character and there are truly few more enjoyable drinking experiences than finding a well-made German-style pilsner. As you can probably already tell, I’m a fan of pilsners in general and German-style pilsners in particular. Here are the world’s best German-style pilsners according to the World Beer Cup judges.

Gold: Pilsner, pFriem Family Brewers, Hood River, OR

This pilsner takes a page from Tyler Perry and is self-named “pilsner.” Per the brewery’s tasting notes: “[Pilsner] shines brilliantly gold with fluffy white foam. Aromas of fresh grass, spring flowers, with a touch of lemon zest quaffs from the glass. The mouth fills with zesty spiciness, a touch of honey, and finishes crisp, snappy, and refreshing.” 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.

Silver: Pilsner, Seapine Brewing Co., Seattle

Also named simply “Pilsner” this beer is lagered for 35 days and has a light straw color and medium body, according to the brewery. Fans of the beer applaud its abundant foam and pleasant maltiness.

Bronze: DownShift, Transmission Brewing, Ventura, CA

Downshift has an automotive themed name and an award winning flavor. From the brewery: “[Downshift is] inspired by classic European lagers with floral hops and classic German malts. Light, crisp and very drinkable.” This beer, like the others on this list is definitely worth seeking out.