Craft beer and brewing enthusiasts around the world are always looking for unique and refreshing brews, and one style that continues to get a lot of attention is our very own New Zealand Pilsner (NZ Pilsner). In fact, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) recently added it as a draft style with the potential for it to become an official style. Let's have a look at what makes the New Zealand Pilsner so special in the world of craft beer.
Essentially, the New Zealand Pilsner is a homage to the classic Czech Pilsner, known for its clean taste and pronounced hop character. However, what sets the NZ Pilsner apart is its use of New Zealand hops. These hops are known for their vibrant aromas and flavours, and give the beer a unique profile that sets it apart from its European counterpart. The NZ style was largely pioneered by Emerson’s brewery in the mid-1990s.
A Symphony of Hops
New Zealand hops such as Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, and Riwaka are prized for their distinct qualities, ranging from tropical fruitiness to zesty citrus notes. In a New Zealand Pilsner, these hops take center stage, giving the beer layers of flavour and aroma. You can expect to taste hints of passionfruit, gooseberry, and lime, balanced by a crisp bitterness.
Marrying Malt and Hops
While hops take much of the spotlight in the NZ Pilsner, the role of malt is also important. Traditionally, Pilsners are brewed with pale or pilsner malt, providing a clean canvas so the hops can stand out. However, some brewers choose to use small amounts of specialty malts to add complexity and depth to the beer, and adding a touch of wheat malt is common.
Brewing the Perfect NZ Pilsner
Crafting a stellar New Zealand Pilsner requires a fairly simple malt bill as described above. The defining character is largely based on the selection of NZ hops, as the yeast needs to be clean and neutral. NZ hops rockstars like Motueka, Riwaka and Nelson Sauvin are commonly used, but it could include nearly any NZ variety. While this is a pilsner beer style and would typically be brewed with German or Czech style pilsner yeast, it is regularly brewed using a neutral ale yeast like Safale US-05 at lower temperatures to minimise esters and keep the taste clean. When creating a NZ Pilsner recipe, keep these stats in mind:
Bitterness: 25-45 IBU
Colour: 4-12 EBC
Original Gravity: 1.044-1.056
Final Gravity: 1.009-1.014
Alcohol: 4.5-5.8% ABV
If you don’t want to create your own recipe, you may want to consider one of these Brewshop all-grain recipe packs:
In Summary
The New Zealand Pilsner is more than just a beer style; it's a celebration of originality and tradition. With its lively hop character, balanced malt backbone, and refreshing finish, this brew appeals to the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a brewer looking to expand your palate, the NZ Pilsner promises a memorable drinking experience that represents the spirit of craft brewing. Go on, brew a New Zealand Pilsner today!