If you're into craft beer, you're sure to have heard of Italian pilsner, but you might not have tasted it before because it's not as common as many other drinks. First created only 25 years ago, the flavorful and unique pilsner hasn't had as much time to spread as some of its older cousins. Nevertheless, it is fast gaining in popularity, particularly among brewers, and it's a great option for anyone looking to get away from traditional beers and try something new.
This type of pilsner starts with the German version, but the English dry-hopping process is what lends it its unique taste. While the alcohol content is average, the profile is light, clear, and clean. Many fans of the pilsner enjoy its slight bitterness that isn't overpowering, and its herbal aroma. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the characteristics of Italian-style pilsner and how it managed to gain popularity all over the world.
The Characteristics of the Italian Pilsner
Italian-style pilsners, whether brewed in Europe or in the US, are defined by their unique production method that includes dry-hopping. By using only certain kinds of hops, a unique yet subtle taste can be created. While the alcohol content is average for a pilsner, this beer is more refreshing and easier to drink than many other options, so you might enjoy it even if you don't like traditional IPA. Let's have a look at the production and taste of Italian-style pilsner.
Production Method
To create an Italian-style pilsner, you start with a German pilsner and dry-hop it. This process involves adding hops to the beer so that its aroma is maximized but no excessive bitterness is created. Most commonly, the hops used are German-grown, for example, Spalt, Tettanger, or Hallertau Mittelfruh, but you can also use Saaz hops that come from the Czech republic.
The success of this beer hinges on the quality of the hops you use, and American ones like Simcoe or Cascade would be too aggressive for the delicate beverage and overpower it with their fruity taste. By using the correct type of hops, the grassy and herbal aroma that's coveted by Italian-style pils drinkers can be achieved.
Taste
The result of the dry-hopping process is a dry and clean beer with a strong hops taste, which is different from many other drinks that are more about the malt. Even if you
often drink other varieties of pilsner, you will be surprised and delighted by the floral taste of this option. Italian-style pilsner tastes crisp and light and is sure to remind you of summers spent in the sun or at the coast.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of this type of pilsner is quite standard, ranging from around 4 to 5.5 percent. Because it's so light and refreshing, it's easier to drink than many kinds of IPA, so it will appeal to casual beer drinkers and aficionados alike.
The History and Spread of Italian-Style Pilsners
Most brewers will tell you that pilsners are some of the most challenging types of beers to create. Originating in Pilsen, which is a town in the Czech Republic, the pilsner became popular all around the world, and many different countries have adapted it to suit the local tastes. For example, German pilsner is milder than the traditional Czech variety, and it also forms the starting point of the more recent creation, Italian pils.
The Italian variety was originally an accident. Brewer Agostino Arioli actually wanted to create German pils, but when he realized that he had failed to replicate a beer similar to Jever Pils from Saxony, he decided to go into a different direction and add in the dry-hopping process common in England. The result was the first Italian pilsner, and the new creation soon became popular in the local area.
Italian Pils in America
Brewmaster Matt Brynildson first found out about Italian Pils when he attended the European Beer Star competition, and he instantly fell in love with the flavorful drink, presented by its charismatic creator, Arioli. When he returned to California, Brynildson started producing and selling Pivo Pils, a beer based on the Italian Pils but slightly altered because it contains some Saphir for an extra lemongrass note.
Interestingly, Arioli started using Saphir, as well, so the two cultures ended up influencing each other. Today, there are many different variations of Italian-style Pilsner, and each brewer has put their own note on the drink.
Popularity
While brewers are very interested in this type of pilsner, it hasn't become as popular among patrons as expected. People like Arioli and Brynildson have worked hard to create a good reputation for this flavorful beer, which they still consider underrated. In Italy, there is a festival based around it, called Pils Pride, and this trend has caught on stateside with an event named Pils & Love that debuted in 2017.
With a great number of different Italian-style pilsners available nowadays, there is something for everyone. Despite the regional and brewer-specific variations, the
commonality remains the dry-hopping process that creates the unique taste and bitterness Italian pils fans covet.
The Future of Italian Pils
In Italy, the drink is well-established, and there's even a Tipopils Day during which many restaurants and bars serve the beer. However, as mentioned, it is not as popular in the US as many other varieties, such as IPA or witbier. As the beer scene grows and people start to get tired of the traditional options, many experts believe that the future of Italian pils is bright and that it will be more highly sought-out as time goes by.
No matter what time of year it is, Italian-style pilsner is a favorite with experts because of its lightness and the characteristic bitter taste that's significant, but still doesn't overwhelm. With so many different brewers adding their own twist to the Italian creation, everybody should be able to find their perfect fit.
Where to Enjoy Italian-style Pils
You can enjoy this type of pils no matter what the season and current weather conditions are, although it was first created in warm, mild Italy. The most authentic location to share an Italian pils with friends will always be a taproom, where you might enjoy your local brewer's unique version of the drink. You will also be able to buy some cans to savor at home.
Italian pilsner is a unique twist on the German version, created through the process of dry-hopping. Brewers around the country and around the world are discovering this complex, flavorful, and interesting beer, and patrons are starting to catch on as they move away from more traditional options. Although the alcohol content is average, nothing else about Italian-style pils is. It's a truly unique and versatile creation.
Visit us at Lowercase Brewing in Seattle, WA to get your first taste of Italian-style pils at our taproom. Here, you'll find a wide range of home-brewed beers that have won six gold medals at the 2019 Washington Beer Awards. In addition to the 13 beers we have on tap, you can also enjoy a variety of snacks and a kid-friendly and dog-friendly atmosphere, so the whole family can join in. Stop by in the afternoon or evening between Thursday and Sunday.
Follow our Beer Blog for more posts like this!