hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Kaapse Nelis

Tap to rate

Floral in character: the brewery's first pilsner, brewed with a lager yeast similar to the Czech Budvar yeast and Perle hops. It comes at 4.6% ABV and is gluten-free. Named after Nikkelen Nelis, a Wim Sonneveld character inspired by Koperen Ko, a street performer who played in the streets of Rotterdam.

ABV
4.6%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Herbal, floral 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
floralnoble hopclean
floral
noble hop
clean
hoppy
malty
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced floral notes that dominate the sensory profile, complemented by the refined character of Perle hops.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Kaapse Nelis

◎ Appearance

Pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright luminosity characteristic of the style. The head forms quickly with fine, persistent bubbles that leave delicate lacing down the glass. Carbonation appears lively and well-integrated, creating a refined visual presentation.

pale goldenbrilliant clarityfine persistent headbright carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced floral notes that dominate the sensory profile, complemented by the refined character of Perle hops. Noble hop aromatics layer in with subtle herbal and slightly spicy undertones, while the lager yeast contributes a clean, neutral backdrop that allows the hop expression to remain in focus. No malt sweetness or fermentation esters distract from the primary hop character.

floral, pronouncednoble hops, refinedclean lager characterherbal, slightly spicy

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and clean, with a light malt foundation that provides structure without heaviness. The mid-palate develops pleasant hop bitterness balanced by the Perle variety's floral complexity, maintaining clarity throughout. Finish builds toward a moderate noble hop bitterness that sits comfortably at 38 IBU, never aggressive but distinctly present and refreshing.

crisp entrylight, clean maltnoble hop bitternessfloral complexity

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is dry and refreshing, with lingering floral and herbal notes from the Perle hops fading gradually. The moderate bitterness leaves the palate clean and thirst-quenching without any harsh or astringent edge.

dry, refreshingherbal fadeclean palate
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
82
Taste
77
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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Kaapse Nelis

More from Kaapse Brouwers

Kaapse Bok
Kaapse Bok
Bock
6.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Kaapse Gozer
Kaapse Gozer
Imperial Stout
9.8%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Kaapse Jerom
Kaapse Jerom
Tripel
8.2%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Kaapse Karel
Kaapse Karel
Session IPA
4.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Kaapse Karel On Steroids
Kaapse Karel On Steroids
Double IPA
8.5%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Kaapse LOC Last Train Departing
Kaapse Louise
Kaapse Louise
Blonde Ale
4.6%·Mild
Find matches →
Kaapse Maria
Kaapse Maria
Hazy Pale Ale
4.2%·Noticeably 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 floral, noble-hop, crisp character as Kaapse Nelis 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 Netherlands beers →