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Sunshine Pilsner

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Bright citrus, flowering herbs and honeyed biscuit shape this American pilsner, with soft notes of fresh-cut straw. Pilsner malt meets Hersbrucker and Saaz hops and lager yeast, and secondary fermentation brings the natural carbonation. At 4.5% ABV and brewed year round in Hershey. Medals at the Great American Beer Festival: bronze 2009, silver 2011, gold 2012, bronze 2013.

ABV
4.5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
pale gold3
PaceSession

AWARDS

Bronze · 2008
World Beer Cup
German-Style Pilsener
Bronze · 2009
Great American Beer Festival
German-Style Pilsener
Silver · 2011
Great American Beer Festival
Gold · 2012
Great American Beer Festival
Bronze · 2013
Great American Beer Festival
German-Style Pilsener
★Bronze — World Beer Cup (German-Style Pilsener)
★Bronze — Great American Beer Festival (German-Style Pilsener)
★Silver — Great American Beer Festival
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
citrusyhoneynoble hop
citrusy
honey
noble hop
floral
bready
clean
Aroma
Bright citrus notes lead the nose, with distinct grapefruit and lemon zest character.
also:grassy,malty
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Sunshine Pilsner

◎ Appearance

Pale golden hue with exceptional clarity and brilliant light transmission. A fine, persistent head forms with good retention and delicate Schaumkleiden along the glass. Lively carbonation is evident from the steady stream of fine bubbles.

pale goldencrystal clearfine persistent headbrightly carbonated

◌ Aroma

Bright citrus notes lead the nose, with distinct grapefruit and lemon zest character. Delicate floral and herbal notes emerge from Hersbrucker and Saaz hops, underscored by soft honeyed malt sweetness. A subtle suggestion of fresh-cut straw adds a clean, grassy dimension without herbaceous intensity.

citrus zestnoble hop floralshoney maltfresh grass

◐ Taste

Crisp entry with bright citrus acidity balancing a clean, bready Pilsner malt foundation. The palate sits light and refreshing, allowing delicate noble-hop herbal notes and soft honey character to develop without heaviness. Moderate bitterness arrives smoothly at the midpoint, integrated rather than assertive, leaving the finish dry and clean.

citrus biteclean maltsoft bitternessdry finish

◑ Finish

The aftertaste remains crisp and moderately short, with lingering citrus and a subtle grassy note. No harshness or residual sweetness; the finish echoes the beer's refreshing character without demanding attention.

drycitrus echo
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
83
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 Sunshine Pilsner

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About American Pilsner

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American 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 American Pilsner

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same citrusy, honey, noble-hop character as Sunshine Pilsner will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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