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Bayern

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Late-hopped with Spalter Select, renowned for spicy and earthy flavours with hints of citrus, and finishing with a refreshing bitterness. Bayern is Thornbridge's Bavarian-style pils, brewed with German hops, malt and yeast to be as true to the classic as possible and given a long conditioning time. Gold at the European Beer Challenge 2023.

ABV
4.8%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
pale gold3
PaceSession

AWARDS

Gold · 2023
European Beer Challenge
Gold · 2022
SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Midlands)
Can/Bottle Lager
★Gold — European Beer Challenge
★Gold — SIBA Indie Beer Awards (regional, Midlands) (Can/Bottle Lager)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
earthyspicy hopmalty
earthy
spicy hop
malty
clean
citrusy
hoppy
Aroma
The nose opens with the distinctive spicy and earthy character of Spalter Select hops, layered beneath which lie subtle citrus notes that brighten the bouquet without dominating.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Bayern

◎ Appearance

Bayern presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright transparency. A stable, fine-grained white head forms on the pour and clings persistently to the glass rim, leaving delicate lacing with each sip. The carbonation is lively and well-integrated, characteristic of a properly conditioned pilsner.

pale goldencrystal clearfine foam lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with the distinctive spicy and earthy character of Spalter Select hops, layered beneath which lie subtle citrus notes that brighten the bouquet without dominating. A clean, refined malt foundation provides gentle support, while the German yeast contributes a crisp, mineral quality that underscores the overall freshness of the aromatics.

spicy hop characterearthy and herbalcitrus brightnessclean malt base

◐ Taste

The palate enters with a well-balanced malt sweetness that is neither cloying nor thin, delivering a slightly grainy foundation. Mid-palate reveals the interplay of Spalter's spicy and earthy dimensions with delicate citrus undertones, while the bitterness builds progressively without harshness. The long conditioning period has allowed the flavors to integrate smoothly, creating a cohesive and satisfying profile.

balanced malt sweetnessspicy and earthy mid-palaterefined bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is refreshingly dry and crisp, with the bitterness persisting as a clean, lingering sensation on the palate. The aftertaste remains bright and mineral-driven, leaving the mouth prepared for the next sip.

dry finishclean bitternessmineral aftertaste
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
89
Appearance
90
Finish
85
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 Bayern

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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 earthy, spicy-hop, refreshing character as Bayern will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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