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Alphabet NZ Pilsner

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A modern take on pilsner and one of the first beers after the brand's restart in December 2023. It is hopped entirely with New Zealand varieties, Motueka, Rakau and Pacifica, which bring a herbal character with a sharp note of lime. The bitterness is set higher than in many pilsners and the finish is dry. At 3.8% it is noticeably light for the style and was conceived as a session lager on a deliberately clean, plain base.

ABV
3.8%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
pale gold3
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
herbalcitrusyclean
herbal
citrusy
clean
malty
Aroma
The nose leads with herbal and citrus notes characteristic of New Zealand Edelhopfen varieties.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Alphabet NZ Pilsner

◎ Appearance

Pale straw yellow with excellent clarity and bright luminosity. A fine, white head forms readily and clings persistently to the glass with delicate lacing. Carbonation is lively and well-integrated, creating a steady stream of fine bubbles.

pale strawcrystal clearpersistent head

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with herbal and citrus notes characteristic of New Zealand Edelhopfen varieties. Motueka, Rakau and Pacifica combine to deliver a distinctive lime sharpness alongside subtle green herbal undertones. The malt base remains clean and restrained, allowing the hop character to dominate without any yeasty or fruity distractions.

lime citrusherbal spicehop-forward

◐ Taste

Entry is light and refreshing with a crisp malt foundation that avoids heaviness. Mid-palate develops a pronounced but refined bitterness that sits noticeably higher than typical pilsners, anchored by the lime and herbal complexity from the hop bill. The body remains lean and sessionable despite the elevated IBU character.

crisp maltelevated bitternessherbal lime

◑ Finish

Finish is dry and clean with lingering herbal and citrus notes that fade gradually. The bitterness persists into the aftertaste without becoming harsh, leaving a refreshing, mineral-like impression.

dry finishherbal lingering
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
78
Appearance
80
Finish
76
Serve at 4–7°C

Serve well-chilled at 4–6°C for maximum crispness. A pilsner served too warm loses its defining snap.

Pilsner glass

The tall, narrow pilsner glass preserves carbonation and showcases the golden clarity that defines the style.

Drink fresh and cold. Pilsners do not improve with age — within 3 months of packaging is ideal.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Alphabet NZ Pilsner

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About New Zealand Pilsner

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a New Zealand Pilsner?

Pilsners are crisp golden lagers with 4–5.5% ABV and IBU 25–45. Defined by spicy, floral Saaz hops over a light malt backbone — bright carbonation and a dry bitter finish.

Finding a similar New Zealand Pilsner

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same dry, herbal, bitter character as Alphabet NZ Pilsner will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other New Zealand Pilsners in hopIQ

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