Pale, Light Body, Low ABV

Written By Matthew Shapiro

German Pils, Munich Helles, International Pale Lager, Kölsch

Bitburger Pils, Pauliner Pils, Pauliner Lager (Helles), Benediktiner Helles, Corona Extra (Intl Pale), Red Stripe (Intl Pale), Reissdorf Kölsch

I was going to stick with the 6 beer panel, but threw in Kölsch since I struggle with it so much. I’m stoked I did- I think I’m finally getting to the bottom of how to pick it out:

  • German Pils: immediate and lingering bitterness

  • Munich Helles: green apple/acetaldehyde, distinct Pilsner malt/Cheerio cereal aroma (isobuteraldehyde?) [cereal aroma is key]

  • International Pale Lager: after swallowing, the beer thizzled away like cotton candy (no fullness/finish on palate)

  • Kölsch: lack of Pilsner malt/Cheerio dominant aroma found in German Pils/Helles (I think this is key), darker malt flavor (I thought I was detecting Vienna), slightly darker color

Matthew Shapiro
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