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Matalaz

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Saltus wanted to brew a pils from the region's own raw materials and to bottle it big. The result, Matalaz, is made with malt from Álava, Navarrese hops and an experimental Lallemand yeast. It comes in a 50 cl bottle, the brewery says, so that nobody is left thirsty. Brewed by the cooperative Saltus in Aizoáin, Navarre.

ABV
4.8%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
SRM
pale gold3
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
maltyhoppyclean
malty
hoppy
clean
Aroma
The nose leads with clean, herbal hop character from Navarrese varieties, complemented by understated floral and grassy notes.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Matalaz

◎ Appearance

Matalaz presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright transparency. A fine white head forms readily and clings to the glass with good retention, leaving delicate lacing on each sip. The carbonation is crisp and visible, creating a lively bead throughout the pour.

pale goldenclear and brightfine white headwell-defined lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with clean, herbal hop character from Navarrese varieties, complemented by understated floral and grassy notes. Beneath lies a supportive malt base from Álava grain, contributing subtle biscuit and hay-like sweetness. The experimental yeast contributes a neutral, mineral-like backdrop that allows the regional ingredients to speak clearly.

herbal hopsbiscuit maltgrassy and floralmineral-clean

◐ Taste

Entry is dry and malt-forward, with a light grain sweetness and soft bread character. The mid-palate develops a moderate but clean bitterness from noble-style hopping, balanced against the gentle malt foundation. Finish dries progressively, with lingering hoppy and slightly mineral notes that refresh without harshness.

malty entrymoderate bitternessdry and crispgrain sweetness

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and sustained, trailing off with a dry, slightly mineral edge and faint hoppy persistence. Aftertaste remains refreshing, inviting another sip without cloying or heavy residue.

dry finishhoppy aftertasterefreshing
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
76
Taste
78
Appearance
80
Finish
77
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 Matalaz

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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 malty, hoppy, crisp character as Matalaz 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 Spain beers →