3 Point Beer Review: Two Hands Dry Hopped Italian Pilsner from The Shop Beer Co, Tempe AZ

I'm still trying to learn the subtle differences between German Pilsner and Italian Pilsner. My understanding is the Italian version is generally dry hopped resulting in heavy hop aromatics and the German one is not as aromatic with a sharp clean bitterness. Most of the top examples of Italian Pilsner I've had (Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Sierra Nevada PILS) use Saphir or Spalter Select hops. Some day I hope to get a fresh example of the grand-daddy of the style, Tipo Pils by Birrificio Italiano. Brewing in Italy, they are credited with inventing the style. They even released the official homebrew recipe to try to create your own version here. Also, here's a fun interview with the head brewer over in Italy, Agostino Arioli, founder of Birrificio Italiano.

One of my favorites in the US is Firestone Walker Pivo Pils is a 5.3% ABV, dry-hopped "Italian-style" American pilsner recognized for its crisp, clean, and refreshing profile, featuring distinct notes of lemon zest, bready malt, and herbal spice from German Saphir hops. It is widely celebrated as a pioneer of modern American craft lagers.

The Shop's version uses classic noble hops like Hallertau Mittelfrüh and Saaz. The beer is fantastic but lacks the explosion of hop aromatics I was hoping for.

Well Crafted Pilsner for warm days