Malt aroma & flavor
A malty sweet aroma and flavor should be present at low levels. Bready or light biscuity attributes may be present.
European Origin Lager Styles
German-Style Pilsener
Lager · Straw to pale
What to expect
Low malt sweetness and pronounced noble-hop character, with medium to high perceived bitterness. Bready or light biscuit notes may be present.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.Color · SRM
3–4
Pale / strawBlack
Straw to pale · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color rangeAlcohol · ABV
4.6–5.3%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
Bitterness · IBU
25–50
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 36 · PDF page 45. Color graphics are illustrative.
The guideline, in detail
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Hop aroma & flavor
Hop aroma and flavor is moderate and pronounced, derived from late hopping (not dry hopping) with noble-type hops. Floral, herbal, peppery, or other attributes may be present.
Perceived bitterness
Medium to high
Body & mouthfeel
Low to medium-low
Clarity
Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
Color
Straw to pale
Fermentation characteristics
Fruity-ester and DMS should not be present. These are well attenuated beers.
Additional guideline notes & competition context
The head should be dense, pure white, and persistent. Hop character is assertive and crisp.
Technical specifications, including gravity
Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.044-1.052 (11-12.9 °Plato) • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.006- 1.012 (1.5-3.1 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.6%-4.2% (4.6%-5.3%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 25-50 • Color SRM (EBC) 3-4 (6-8 EBC)