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Steinlager Classic

Steinlager
New Zealand·New Zealand Pilsner
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A nose of fresh-cut green grass from Green Bullet hops, grown in Nelson at 41 degrees latitude, opens Steinlager Classic; a dry, tangy finish and a crisp, clean bitterness close it at 5.0% ABV. The beer began in 1958 as an answer to the Black Budget's import cuts and went on to win the Les Amis du Vin competition four years in a row.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Clean, dry bitterness
SRM
pale gold4
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
grassycleannoble hop
grassy
clean
noble hop
Aroma
The nose opens with pronounced fresh-cut green grass and herbaceous notes from the Green Bullet hops, grown in Nelson at high southern latitude.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Steinlager Classic

◎ Appearance

Pale golden yellow with excellent clarity and bright light transmission. A fine, persistent white head forms with good retention and delicate lacing down the glass. Carbonation is evident and well-integrated, lending visual liveliness to the pale body.

pale goldencrystal clearpersistent headbright carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced fresh-cut green grass and herbaceous notes from the Green Bullet hops, grown in Nelson at high southern latitude. Light, clean malt backbone supports without dominating, while the overall impression is bright, verdant, and refreshingly herbaceous rather than floral or spicy.

fresh-cut grassherbaceousgreen, crispGreen Bullet hops

◐ Taste

The palate enters clean and dry with a lean malt profile that allows hop character to lead. Mid-palate develops a tangy, grassy bitterness that builds steadily without harshness, finishing bone-dry with crisp noble-hop minerality. The 22 IBU bitterness is well-proportioned and integrated, creating a balanced, thirst-quenching profile.

dry, crispgrassy bitternesslean maltclean finish

◑ Finish

Dry and refreshing with a lingering herbal-grassy note that persists gently on the palate. The aftertaste remains clean and tangy without astringency, inviting the next sip.

dry aftertasteherbal persistencerefreshing
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
82
Appearance
85
Finish
78
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 Steinlager Classic

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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 grassy, dry, crisp character as Steinlager Classic will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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