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Kronenbourg 1664

Brasseries Kronenbourg
France·German Pilsner·Rank 44 of 50 German Pilsner
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First brewed in 1952, Kronenbourg 1664 is France's No.1 selling beer and the second biggest-selling premium lager in the UK. Named after the year of Kronenbourg's founding, brewed with a unique blend including aromatic Strisselspalt hops from Alsace. A clean, balanced pale lager with a smooth malt character and gentle hop bitterness. The defining French lager consumed at terraces across France and exported to 60+ countries.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
SRM
pale gold2
PaceSession
★undefined — Australian International Beer Awards (Class 1 - Lager (European Style Lager))
★undefined — Australian International Beer Awards (Class 1 - Lager (European Style Lager))
★undefined — Australian International Beer Awards (Class 1 - Lager (European Style Lager))
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
cleanhoppymalty
clean
hoppy
malty
citrusy
Aroma
The nose is clean and inviting, led by soft, slightly herbal noble hop character with gentle citrus undertones from the Strisselspalt variety.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Kronenbourg 1664

◎ Appearance

Kronenbourg 1664 presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright, crystalline transparency. A white, dense head forms on the pour and maintains good retention and lacing throughout the glass. Carbonation is visible and lively, with consistent bead formation.

pale goldencrystal-cleardense white headwell-carbonated

◌ Aroma

The nose is clean and inviting, led by soft, slightly herbal noble hop character with gentle citrus undertones from the Strisselspalt variety. Supporting the hops is a delicate, refined malt base that contributes subtle sweetness without heaviness. The overall impression is fresh and straightforward, with no yeast-driven or adjunct character.

herbal Edelhopfenlight citrussoft Malzclean grain

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a crisp, clean malt sweetness that evolves into a balanced hop bitterness characteristic of the Pilsner style. The mid-palate maintains smoothness with a light body and fine carbonation that enhances refreshment. Bitterness is gentle at 38 IBU, never harsh, and fades into a dry conclusion without lingering astringency.

balanced bitternesssmooth maltcrisp finishlight-bodied

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and quick, with the gentle hop bitterness tapering to a dry, refreshing aftertaste. No residual sweetness or off-flavors persist.

dryquick finish
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
76
Taste
78
Appearance
82
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 Kronenbourg 1664

More from Brasseries Kronenbourg

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1664 Rosé
Fruit Beer
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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 clean, crisp, hoppy character as Kronenbourg 1664 will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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