Log In

Your email is not your username

Register

If you were a member of the old Bodybuilding.com forums and would like to reuse your previous username, you can request it below. We use your email only for registration and do not store it. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Confirm your email

A registration code was sent to your email. Enter it here.

Welcome

You have successfully setup your account.

Sign in

Quick Navigation Bottom Misc
Forum » *Beer brewer brahs* - Anyone ever brew a pilsner? Currently creating one for summer!
  1. Results 1 to 25 of 25
  2. Page 1 of 1

Thread: *Beer brewer brahs* - Anyone ever brew a pilsner? Currently creating one for summer!

post 1678064023 02-28-2023, 06:19 AM
-
#1
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833

*Beer brewer brahs* - Anyone ever brew a pilsner? Currently creating one for summer!

I've switched into brewing lagers in the past few years for a number of reasons. I've made different styles including Vienna lagers, dunkels, and, more recently, bocks. I'm planning a nice crisp pilsner for the summer. Lagers are already a difficult style pull off technically speaking, and in my mind, with a pilsner, you have no room to hide. It's easy to hide defects in your ale when you dump a pound of hops in there. With a pilsner, if you make a technical error, you'll most likely perceive it. I'm also not talking about brewing the american mass-produced swill/bastardization of the pilsner style brewed with a bunch of adjuncts. I want to brew a classic old school German pilsner, something really tasty and crisp for summer weather.

Has anyone ever brewed either a pilsner or a straight up pale lager? I'm planning on keeping it simple, using mostly pilsner malts and some German hop varieties. I am, however, considering a small dry-hop using something like Saphir. I have Firestone Walker's Pivo Pils in mind. I had that in the mountains years ago when I was in New Hampshire and never forgot it. Super clean, crisp, tasty.

I think this is going to be the ultimate test in accrued brewing skills over the years. Will share a photo once I get it done. I'm currently building the recipe with a goal of brewing early-mid March when the weather is nice, lagering for 2-3 months, and it being ready to drink end of June or so, when summer is in full swing.

For your time....this is Pivo Pils. Look at that beautiful color.

*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678065763 02-28-2023, 07:12 AM
-
#2
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833
Where my beer boyos at this morning? What are ya'll brewing?
*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678066863 02-28-2023, 07:36 AM
-
#3
  1. bradlehman
  2. U Mirin?
  1. bradlehman
  2. U Mirin?
  3. Join Date: Aug 2008
  4. Location: United States
  5. Posts: 8,466
  6. Rep Power: 43878
I haven't done any lagering so far, but I'm interested to see how yours turns out. I started out with IPAs, moved into some stouts and big quads, did a cream ale for my nephew's first birthday to appease the light beer crowd that was present, and some other stuff. Haven't brewed much lately due to other personal circumstances over the past year or so, but I'm sure I'll do it again once the weather is nicer. I'm trying to mostly stay away from beer for cutting purposes, but I can always give it away to friends.

I really want to make a Westvleteren 12 clone somewhat early in the year this year or maybe next in order to have it ready to shine by Christmastime. I think the next step for me is going to be getting a kegging setup. I've just been bottling so far, but it's tough to prevent oxygen exposure and beer that ends up tasting off after a while in the bottle.

Also, I agree with you - you can't hide mistakes in a pilsner. It's one way to see which breweries are truly great. A lot hide all their flaws in super hoppy IPAs and flavored porters/stouts or whatever. Even though they don't make a lot of super interesting beers like in the US, that's why Germany is so impressive. Mostly just a reliable rotation of clean, flawless beers.
post 1678066973 02-28-2023, 07:39 AM
-
#4
  1. Kev1972
  2. Registered User
  1. Kev1972
  2. Registered User
  3. Join Date: Jun 2013
  4. Location: Big Arm, Montana, United States
  5. Posts: 49,924
  6. Rep Power: 287644
Seems a waste of time when I can get a 40oz steel reserve for like 2 bucks and change.
Motorcycle crew
Army veteran crew
One Meal a day crew
post 1678069223 02-28-2023, 08:26 AM
-
#5
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833
Originally Posted By Kev1972⏩
Seems a waste of time when I can get a 40oz steel reserve for like 2 bucks and change.
I do it more for the experience rather than the savings. Having said that, brewing a lager is dirt cheap. I can make 5 gallons of simple lager that comes out to pennies per bottle. Hops can add up in terms of $$, so making a big pungent IPA ends up costing nearly as much as a microbrewery offering.

It's all about the experiential, boyo.

Also, steel reserve tastes like what I imagine the inside of a homeless man's a$$hole tastes like. Absolutely disgusting trash only meant to get you loaded for cheap. Reminds me of high school. Except, in our case, it was black label big ten.
*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678070273 02-28-2023, 08:42 AM
-
#6
  1. Voidgaze
  2. Real Azz Misca'
  1. Voidgaze
  2. Real Azz Misca'
  3. Join Date: Feb 2018
  4. Location: Texas, United States
  5. Posts: 54,578
  6. Rep Power: 603960
I've never homebrewed but an old buddy of mine does, and I can tell the hobby itself is enjoyable.

I gotta say it's rare I find a Pilsner that I really enjoy so I agree about the margin of error for making a good Pilsner.

I'm planning to start with making wine first since that's what initially caught my eye.


Anyway, keep us updated on the homebrew OP, it really sounds like this one will be interesting.
post 1678070663 02-28-2023, 08:48 AM
-
#7
  1. KurtMussell
  2. Big Trouble
  1. KurtMussell
  2. Big Trouble
  3. Join Date: Sep 2014
  4. Posts: 13,372
  5. Rep Power: 104117
Did a couple lagers and pils a few years ago, then the garage fridge I used for fermenting/cold crashing chit out. They were ok to good, probably going to pick up another used fridge this spring. Biggest thing to keep an eye on is temperature control and don't be afraid to try new things. I'd dig through recipes on brewfather and compare them to all grain kit ingredients from places like Norther Brewer as a starting point if I was putting together my own batch. Always found it beneficial to make two or three 1 gallon batches with slight variations in the recipe, then make a 5 gallon batch of the of whichever one came out the best.

What's your set up? Switched to the Anvil Foundry 10.5 gal a few years back and it's a huge time saver vs an lp tank and burner. Also built a 4 tap keezer for 5 gal kegs, going to add a 5th tap since there's room if I go with three 5 gal and two 2.5 gal or smaller sizes.
Doesn't shower with his dad crew
Dat feel when you taste sweat in your mustache crew
This post is copyrighted and encrypted by diana maybrook
It don't matter. None of this matters.
post 1678070743 02-28-2023, 08:50 AM
-
#8
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833
Originally Posted By bradlehman⏩
I haven't done any lagering so far, but I'm interested to see how yours turns out. I started out with IPAs, moved into some stouts and big quads, did a cream ale for my nephew's first birthday to appease the light beer crowd that was present, and some other stuff. Haven't brewed much lately due to other personal circumstances over the past year or so, but I'm sure I'll do it again once the weather is nicer. I'm trying to mostly stay away from beer for cutting purposes, but I can always give it away to friends.

I really want to make a Westvleteren 12 clone somewhat early in the year this year or maybe next in order to have it ready to shine by Christmastime. I think the next step for me is going to be getting a kegging setup. I've just been bottling so far, but it's tough to prevent oxygen exposure and beer that ends up tasting off after a while in the bottle.

Also, I agree with you - you can't hide mistakes in a pilsner. It's one way to see which breweries are truly great. A lot hide all their flaws in super hoppy IPAs and flavored porters/stouts or whatever. Even though they don't make a lot of super interesting beers like in the US, that's why Germany is so impressive. Mostly just a reliable rotation of clean, flawless beers.
I think it's really cool that you brew quads. That's territory I've never ventured into, along with imperial territory. I made a strange belgian ale in the past that wasn't that enjoyable. Kind of spicy, which was the characteristic of the yeast I got I guess. I also agree that a wonderful, clean pilsner is a nice indication of brewing skill. I'm hoping to test this out in myself. It'll be a nice way to gauge where I can keep improving. Fermentation temp is so critical.
*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678071593 02-28-2023, 09:05 AM
-
#9
  1. slat11
  2. Registered User
  1. slat11
  2. Registered User
  3. Join Date: Nov 2007
  4. Location: El Paso, Texas, United States
  5. Age: 57
  6. Posts: 1,251
  7. Rep Power: 21281
I would love to try a home brew that is close to Sam Adams Summer Ale or Linies Summer Shandy. Love those two ice cold on a hot day.
post 1678072063 02-28-2023, 09:15 AM
-
#10
  1. pengh
  1. pengh
  3. Join Date: Apr 2007
  4. Posts: 20,220
  5. Rep Power: 231931
I brew Munich Helles all the time. I just gave a keg to my Dad and I have 2 more lagering.

They are really easy to brew. As long as you have temp control fermenting you will be fine.

I don't use liquid yeast anymore either. They come out flawless.

Keys to brewing IMO

Pitch rate

Pitch in low 50s and ferment 1 week then raise it to 60f for diacetyl rest another week.

Keg it. and drink 3 weeks later. You can lager it longer if you want.

I do

90% Pilz malt
10% Munich
3% Melatonin malt (optional)

Also throw in like 8 oz of Carapilz for some help with head retention

Halatauer hops at 60 and 20min

Or experiment using different hops.

I wouldn't dry hop a Helles

2 packs of Saflager W34/70 Dry Lager Yeast (rehydrated)

6.5 gallon batch



OR just take a simple Pale Ale recipe and use lager yeast/process (pale lager). This would be your "hoppy" version
* Eggs and Rice crew *
* No Washcloth Crew *

Sloots in jail are hnnnggggg

Strange hobbies

#FREEPH*GGOT

MMGA
post 1678072363 02-28-2023, 09:21 AM
-
#11
  1. pengh
  1. pengh
  3. Join Date: Apr 2007
  4. Posts: 20,220
  5. Rep Power: 231931
Originally Posted By KurtMussell⏩
Did a couple lagers and pils a few years ago, then the garage fridge I used for fermenting/cold crashing chit out. They were ok to good, probably going to pick up another used fridge this spring. Biggest thing to keep an eye on is temperature control and don't be afraid to try new things. I'd dig through recipes on brewfather and compare them to all grain kit ingredients from places like Norther Brewer as a starting point if I was putting together my own batch. Always found it beneficial to make two or three 1 gallon batches with slight variations in the recipe, then make a 5 gallon batch of the of whichever one came out the best.

What's your set up?Switched to the Anvil Foundry 10.5 gal a few years back and it's a huge time saver vs an lp tank and burner. Also built a 4 tap keezer for 5 gal kegs, going to add a 5th tap since there's room if I go with three 5 gal and two 2.5 gal or smaller sizes.
Yes these electric all-in-one systems are worth every penny. I have a brewzilla 65l and have close to 100 12 gallon batches and it's still strong af. I have 5 other guys that I brew with (rotating kegs)
* Eggs and Rice crew *
* No Washcloth Crew *

Sloots in jail are hnnnggggg

Strange hobbies

#FREEPH*GGOT

MMGA
post 1678072453 02-28-2023, 09:24 AM
-
#12
  1. ChknFrydMFer
  2. Fat F*cking Retard
  1. ChknFrydMFer
  2. Fat F*cking Retard
  3. Join Date: Jul 2014
  4. Location: United States
  5. Posts: 8,627
  6. Rep Power: 100135
Can it and send me one to review
<HTC>
Pick 6 Crew
RIP Rich Piana
Dallas Cowboys
post 1678073943 02-28-2023, 09:55 AM
-
#13
  1. sg1976
  2. NandBroLone
  1. sg1976
  2. NandBroLone
  3. Join Date: Mar 2014
  4. Posts: 29,435
  5. Rep Power: 218658
Honestly one of the harder beers to brew. I usually make cream ale instead because its a lot easier.

I usually use 6 Row (you can use pilsner malt too), Rice and Corn. SafAle-05 and whatever hop bill you want.
Mother north, united we stand, together we walk
Phantom north, I'll be there when you hunt them down.

Absolutely Love This For You! ❤️💕

Take America Back Again!

Verified 37 Going on 60
Verified Fat Boy
post 1678074003 02-28-2023, 09:57 AM
-
#14
  1. Getter_done
  1. Getter_done
  3. Join Date: Dec 2008
  4. Posts: 138,178
  5. Subscribers: 6
  6. Rep Power: 1140615
Mirin hard
post 1678074943 02-28-2023, 10:13 AM
-
#15
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833
^^ lots of really great advice above. Thanks a lot, boyos! This will be quite helpful come brewing time.

I lagered my German bock for 100 days and it was ultra smooth. I'm thinking of lagering the pilsner as much as possible, most likely approximately 3 months with a light dry-hop in the final week. I'm considering the wyeast bohemian lager yeast. I've been trying different lager yeasts for each past batch out of curiosity. I've never been able to get my hands on this one, though.
*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678075063 02-28-2023, 10:15 AM
-
#16
  1. Dogkrack
  2. Banned
  1. Dogkrack
  2. Banned
  3. Join Date: Jun 2019
  4. Posts: 14,820
  5. Rep Power: 0
homebrew is disgusting. the only redeeming factor is that its free from the tax jew.
post 1678075683 02-28-2023, 10:28 AM
-
#17
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833
Originally Posted By Dogkrack⏩
homebrew is disgusting. the only redeeming factor is that its free from the tax jew.
I just got the name for this upcoming pilsner, "tax free, thought free." Free from said jewish tax, but also free from any critical thinking whatsoever

Thanks, goyim!
*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678077133 02-28-2023, 10:53 AM
-
#18
  1. Dogkrack
  2. Banned
  1. Dogkrack
  2. Banned
  3. Join Date: Jun 2019
  4. Posts: 14,820
  5. Rep Power: 0
Originally Posted By lightsarefallin⏩
I just got the name for this upcoming pilsner, "tax free, thought free." Free from said jewish tax, but also free from any critical thinking whatsoever

Thanks, goyim!
no prob rabbi. maybe you can fit this on the label

post 1678080793 02-28-2023, 11:42 AM
-
#19
  1. pengh
  1. pengh
  3. Join Date: Apr 2007
  4. Posts: 20,220
  5. Rep Power: 231931
Originally Posted By sg1976⏩
Honestly one of the harder beers to brew. I usually make cream ale instead because its a lot easier.

I usually use 6 Row (you can use pilsner malt too), Rice and Corn. SafAle-05 and whatever hop bill you want.
I never understood why people say it's hard to brew lagers/Pilz. I guess if you don't have temp control it's difficult or nearly impossible. But with a spare mini fridge and a $20 temp controller, it's easy-peasy.
* Eggs and Rice crew *
* No Washcloth Crew *

Sloots in jail are hnnnggggg

Strange hobbies

#FREEPH*GGOT

MMGA
post 1678082953 02-28-2023, 12:17 PM
-
#20
  1. KurtMussell
  2. Big Trouble
  1. KurtMussell
  2. Big Trouble
  3. Join Date: Sep 2014
  4. Posts: 13,372
  5. Rep Power: 104117
For controlling temps, the Inkbird ITC-308 will be your best friend. There's also a wifi version too. I use one for my keezer as well as when fermenting with the addition of a thermowell in my carboy bung.
https://inkbird.com/collections/temp...roller-itc-308


I have also use a Tilt Hydrometer to monitor the fermentation. Not really necessary but it helps if you're a numbers geek when it comes to tracking each batch.
https://tilthydrometer.com/
Doesn't shower with his dad crew
Dat feel when you taste sweat in your mustache crew
This post is copyrighted and encrypted by diana maybrook
It don't matter. None of this matters.
post 1678087523 02-28-2023, 01:28 PM
-
#21
  1. mikeasu
  2. Registered User
  1. mikeasu
  2. Registered User
  3. Join Date: Jan 2019
  4. Age: 56
  5. Posts: 144
  6. Rep Power: 2836
I have a bohemian pilsner recipe somewhere I've made a couple times. Polish (immigrated to US some years ago) neighbor tried it - said it tasted like home. I'll take that as decent praise.
post 1678087593 02-28-2023, 01:30 PM
-
#22
  1. HMFIC_BROWSIN
  2. Buy high, sell higher.
  1. HMFIC_BROWSIN
  2. Buy high, sell higher.
  3. Join Date: Feb 2009
  4. Location: Arizona, United States
  5. Posts: 73,524
  6. Rep Power: 348838
Seems like home wine would be fun but everyone says it tastes like chit.
post 1678089453 02-28-2023, 01:53 PM
-
#23
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833
Originally Posted By pengh⏩
I never understood why people say it's hard to brew lagers/Pilz. I guess if you don'thave temp controlit's difficult or nearly impossible. But with a spare mini fridge and a $20 temp controller, it's easy-peasy.
I think that's it. I have 2 spare fridges I use as my 2-step ferm operation. One is a wine fridge that has the capcity to chill to 50F. The other is an old, large, spare fridge where I lager at 0C (near freezing) for potentially months. It's a nice lazy way to make beer.

I also operate in some weird mishmash of F and C for temps since I read a lot of American guides to teach myself the hobby but inevitably deal with Canadian local brew shops.
*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678132803 03-01-2023, 08:08 AM
-
#24
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  1. lightsarefallin
  2. Nukem
  3. Join Date: Oct 2010
  4. Location: Canada
  5. Posts: 57,269
  6. Rep Power: 504833
Originally Posted By mikeasu⏩
I have a bohemian pilsner recipe somewhere I've made a couple times. Polish (immigrated to US some years ago) neighbor tried it - said it tasted like home. I'll take that as decent praise.
Forgot to reply to this. Got any input/tips for me based on your recipe?
*Look at reflection in car window and flex every time crew*
*Use half the roll to wipe after a poo crew*
*Fart in the gym and blame rotten smell on faulty ventilation crew*
*Fart at home and blame it on the dog crew*
*Watch neutron-star density poop mock me as water flushes around it and it stays put crew*
*Drive 2 minutes in the summer and back of shirt gets completely wet crew*
*Coffee black as midnight on a moonless night crew*
*Fat shame my cat on a daily basis crew*
post 1678211623 03-02-2023, 01:07 PM
-
#25
  1. mikeasu
  2. Registered User
  1. mikeasu
  2. Registered User
  3. Join Date: Jan 2019
  4. Age: 56
  5. Posts: 144
  6. Rep Power: 2836
Originally Posted By lightsarefallin⏩
Forgot to reply to this. Got any input/tips for me based on your recipe?
The recipe was from John Palmer's Brewing Classic Beer book, modified for my particular setup (adjust the grain bill for lower efficiency since I go no sparge). And my mistake - was a Dortmunder Export. Nothing specific - the recipe was 67% Pilsen malt (10.25lbs), 32% Munich (4.875lbs), and 1% Melanoidin (.125lbs) the first time I made it. I also control temps while fermenting (I have a chest freezer plugged into a temp controller), and this is all-grain. I went from extract to all grain and temp control at the same time, so don't really know what made the biggest difference. For a pilsner type - I'd say keep the recipe simple, control the temps, make a yeast starter.
Quick Navigation Top Misc
Bookmarks
Digg.com
Digg
del.icio.us
del.icio.us
Stumbleupon.com
StumbleUpon
Google.com
Google
Facebook.com
Facebook
Posting Permissions
  1. You may not post new threads
  2. You may not post replies
  3. You may not post attachments
  4. You may not edit your posts