Ace the Cicerone Certified Beer Server Test 2026 – Brew Up Success in Style!

It is important to have a pronounced bitterness in a German pils as it is a defining characteristic of this beer style. Pilsners are known for their clean, crisp taste and their hop bitterness, which is usually moderate to high. An amber color, elevated ABV, or toffee malt flavor are not typically found in German pilsners. In fact, a German pils would typically have a pale straw to gold color, a moderate ABV of around 4.4-5.2%, and a clean, dry finish with little to no malt flavor. Incorporating any of these other options would result in a beer that does not align with the style guidelines of a German pils.