- OG
- 1.052
- FG
- 1.008
- ABV
- 5.8%
- IBU
- 45
- SRM
- 4
- Batch
- 5 gal
Grain bill
| Malt | Weight | % |
|---|---|---|
| Pilsner Malt | 9.00 lb | 95% |
| Flaked Rice | 0.50 lb | 5% |
Hop schedule
| Hop | Weight | Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnum | 0.5 oz | 60 min | boil |
| Centennial | 1 oz | 15 min | boil |
| Citra | 2 oz | 0 min | whirlpool |
| Mosaic | 2 oz | 5 min | dry |
Yeast
Process
- Mash at 150°F for 60 min
- Boil 75 min
- primary: 14 days @ 50°F
- diacetyl rest: 2 days @ 65°F
- lagering: 28 days @ 34°F
Notes
Treat a German pilsner like a West Coast IPA: pilsner malt and rice for a clean dry chassis, then West Coast hops late and dry. The cold lager fermentation cleans up the yeast character and lets the hops dominate.
Brewer: Cold ferment for 14 days, diacetyl rest for 48 hours, then lager at near-freezing for at least 4 weeks.
Packaging: Carbonate to 2.6 vols.
About this American IPA
History
The West Coast Pilsner represents a contemporary hybrid approach that emerged in American craft brewing during the 2010s, blending the crisp, clean fermentation profile of traditional pilsners with the assertive hop character of West Coast IPAs. While no single brewery is definitively credited with originating the style, it gained traction among breweries seeking to showcase modern American hop varieties in a lighter, more sessionable format than typical IPAs. This recipe is associated with the BJCP American IPA category due to its hop-forward character and fermentation temperature, though it borrows the pale malt base and lager yeast traditionally associated with pilsner brewing. The style reflects broader trends toward hybrid brewing that challenge traditional style boundaries.
Technique
The 150°F mash temperature targets a balance between fermentable sugars and residual body, producing a beer with moderate attenuation while maintaining enough mouthfeel to support the hop character. Fermenting with W-34/70 lager yeast at ale temperatures (typically 62-68°F) allows for a relatively quick turnaround while preserving the clean fermentation profile associated with lager strains. The hop schedule emphasizes late additions, with whirlpool Citra and dry-hopped Mosaic contributing aromatic intensity while limiting harsh bitterness from the single 60-minute Magnum addition. A brief cold conditioning period of one to two weeks helps clarify the beer and allows flavors to integrate without the extended lagering traditional pilsners require.
Ingredient notes
The Pilsner malt base provides a delicate grainy-sweet character that remains neutral enough to showcase hops, while the flaked rice addition lightens the body and promotes a crisp finish. Magnum contributes clean bittering without competing aromatics, allowing Centennial's citrus and floral notes to emerge in the late boil. Citra brings pronounced grapefruit and tropical fruit character in the whirlpool, while Mosaic adds complexity with berry, stone fruit, and herbal notes during dry hopping. The W-34/70 yeast strain offers reliable attenuation and a neutral ester profile that keeps the focus on malt and hops rather than fermentation-derived flavors, distinguishing this beer from its ale-fermented IPA cousins.
Variations
Commercial examples of West Coast Pilsners vary considerably in their balance between pilsner and IPA characteristics, with some leaning toward traditional pilsner restraint and others approaching full IPA intensity. Substituting German noble hops like Hallertau or Tettnang for the American varieties would shift the beer toward a more traditional pilsner profile with herbal and spicy notes. Increasing the rice proportion to one pound would further dry out the body, while replacing it entirely with additional Pilsner malt would add subtle sweetness. Fermenting at true lager temperatures (48-55°F) followed by extended lagering would produce a cleaner, more refined character at the expense of brewing time.
When to drink & pairings
This beer pairs well with lighter fare that won't overwhelm its delicate malt base, including grilled fish, chicken, fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette, and mild cheeses. The crisp finish and moderate bitterness complement spicy cuisines such as Thai or Vietnamese dishes, where the hop aromatics echo the herbs and citrus commonly used in those traditions. Serve at 40-45°F in a tall pilsner glass or standard pint glass to showcase the bright golden color and promote head retention. The moderate alcohol content and refreshing character make this appropriate for warm-weather drinking, outdoor gatherings, or as a more approachable alternative to higher-gravity IPAs.