hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Karl May Premium-Pils

Tap to rate

Delicately spicy and harmonious, with an aromatic hop bitterness: this premium pils was brewed in honour of Karl May from premium barley malts and noble hops. At 4.9% ABV from 11.5% original gravity, it was the first new beer type the Gersdorf brewery launched, in 1994.

ABV
4.9%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Clean, dry 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
hoppynoble hopspicy
hoppy
noble hop
spicy
malty
clean
Aroma
The nose leads with refined noble-hop character—herbal, slightly floral, and gently spicy notes that define the style.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Karl May Premium-Pils

◎ Appearance

A pale golden hue with excellent clarity and fine, persistent carbonation. The white head forms quickly and clings to the glass walls with delicate lacing, characteristic of a well-crafted pilsner. The overall presentation is bright and inviting, reflecting the beer's clean brewing heritage.

pale goldcrystal clearfine carbonationpersistent head

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with refined noble-hop character—herbal, slightly floral, and gently spicy notes that define the style. Beneath this lies a soft malt foundation of grain and bread crust, adding subtle sweetness without dominating. The aromatic profile remains delicate and well-balanced, free from any harsh or coarse edges.

noble hopsherbal and floralbread crustspice

◐ Taste

Entry is clean and crisp, with the malt providing a light, grainy foundation that leads smoothly into the mid-palate. Noble-hop bitterness builds steadily, bringing distinctive spicy and herbal notes that integrate harmoniously with the malt sweetness. The finish drives toward dry territory, with lingering hop bitterness and a refreshing quality that invites the next sip.

crisp malt entrynoble-hop bitternessspicy and herbaldry finish

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is pleasantly dry and medium in length, with noble-hop bitterness persisting gently on the palate. A clean, refreshing sensation lingers without heaviness or cloying sweetness.

dryrefreshingnoble-hop lingering
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
80
Appearance
82
Finish
74
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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Karl May Premium-Pils

More from Glückauf-Brauerei

Gersdorfer ALE
Gersdorfer ALE
Ale
6.8%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Glückauf Bock
Glückauf Bock
Bock
6.3%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Glückauf Edelpils
Glückauf Edelpils
Pale Lager
4.8%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Glückauf Pilsener
Glückauf Pilsener
German Pilsner
4.9%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Glückauf Schwarzes
Glückauf Schwarzes
Schwarzbier
4.9%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Hopfenflirt – das Halbstarke
Jubiläumsbier 1880
Jubiläumsbier 1880
Lager
5.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →

About German Pilsner

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a German 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 German Pilsner

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, noble-hop, spicy character as Karl May Premium-Pils will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all German Pilsner beers in hopIQ →New to German Pilsner? Read our guide →Browse Germany beers →