The World-Famous Pilsner: From Old-World to Pre-Prohibition to Italy to Post-Pandemic

Praguer Bohemian Pilsner from GameCraft Brewing
Laguna Hills, CA.

There has not been a more replicated and modified beer style than the Pilsner. The beer giants have their fair share of Pale American Lagers and similar products, but all fall short of their heritage. Some even have the word “Pilsner” on their labels, although they are different enough from their linage so that they now fall into a separate style. That’s not to say that they are bad beers as every beer style has its place. But a true Pilsner is simply a thing of beauty. Not only do we know where it originated, but we even have the dates! Furthermore, A genuine, old-world Pilsner (and/or other session beers) might be what keeps us at our pubs as our way of life begins to safely get back to a sense of normalcy.

Let’s dive into the history of the original pale golden lager, the Pilsner.

We start in the early 1800s in Bohemia, what is now modern-day Czechia. Due to the poor quality of the ale and it eventually would spoil from it just sitting around. This was further exacerbated by the cheaper, cleaner lagerbier that was being imported from neighboring areas. The native ale was so awful that in 1838 barrels were ordered to be dumped in the streets of Pilsen.

After some protests by the locals, a new brewery was commissioned and built complete with a malthouse. The new brewery also included the revolutionary way of kilning malt that was patented by Daniel Wheeler in England in 1818. Finally, Bavarian brewer, Joseph Groll, was hired to make things right. He brewed a batch of beer on Oct. 5 and released it on Nov. 11, 1842, to the residents of Pilsen. The Pilsner was born!

Note: The Czech Premium Pale Lager, as appropriately named in the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) guidelines, is more commonly referred to as Czech or Bohemian Pilsner. The preface Czech or Bohemian to the Pilsner from Czechia are interchangeable and is how this particular style will be referred as from here on out.

Pilsen is notorious for its soft water and it was a major contributing factor to the delicate flavors that resulted in the finished beer. Floor malting the barley created a unique constancy of the germinating grain that contributes to the dusty, bready flavor. The use of the new malt kilning technologies implemented was also a contributing aspect creating some very pale malt. Native Saaz hops imparted the unmistakable purfumy and spicy aroma notes. The result was a golden beer with soft, well-rounded bitterness, bready maltiness, and a clean and refreshing finish. A light butter note imparted by the compound diacetyl, which is usually an off-flavor, is not looked at negatively for the Czech Pilsners so long as it’s not overwhelming. It is not by all means required, however.

Quantitative properties (from BJCP) for the Premium versions of the Czech Pilsner are ABV: 4.2 – 5.8%, IBUs: 30 – 45, and SRM: 3.5 – 6. Standard versions have a bit lower properties such as ABV: 3.0 – 4.1%.

Bright Heights German Pilsner During Sunset
Radiant Beer Co., Anaheim, CA.

Germany soon began to create their versions of the pale lager. Beginning in about the 1870’s German breweries were starting to explore how to make Pilsner suit their water profiles. Specifically, in 1872, the Radeberger Brewery lays claim to the original in Germany. The German Pilsner, sometimes spelled Pilsener, but usually more simply as Pils, has two unofficial subcategories: Northern and Southern German Pils. The Northern style is drier, more bitter, and paler than the Southern versions. This is historically due to the higher levels of sulfates in the water. The Southern versions have a more pronounced hop aroma by contrast. Both are snappy and crispy, aided by the lightly killed Pilsner malt that gives a mellow cereal grain backbone for the floral, minty, and tea-like hops to take center stage.

Quantitative properties (from BJCP) for the German Pils are ABV: 4.4 – 5.2%, IBUs: 22 – 40, and SRM: 2 – 5.

A Kellerbier or Keller Pils is a kind of substyle found in the Franconian region of Bavaria. This is an unfiltered Pils and has a bit more complex than the customary crisp nature of a proper Pils. You may find these labeled as Ungespundet, and/or Naturtrüb, or Zwickel if not as Kellerbier. Usually the same quantitative properties as a German Pils.

Brewers Jon and Jerrod Admiring Dr. Filsner Pre-Prohibition Pilsner
Bearded Tang, Stanton, CA.

Migration of the lager-brewing tradition followed German immigrants wherever they went. The American Pilsner, pale lagers produced pre-prohibition (the style usually labeled as Pre-Prohibition Pilsner/Lager), were similar to their modern-day evolution; These are the forebears to the mass-market American Pale Lagers. Pre-Prohibition Pilsners were hopped with American hops native to the area such as Cluster and contained the addition of rice and/or corn sugar (dextrose) to contrast the use of higher-protein six-row barley that was in abundance in the US. Eventually, industrialization, Prohibition, and World Wars contributed to the more muted versions we see advertised during sporting events. In recent years, commercial examples of the American Pilsner or Pre-Prohibition Pilsner/Lager have become more available. The profile here is a blend of the old-world and their new-world evolution. The malt bed is neutral with a corn-like sweetness if present just as the American Pale Lager providing no covers for the earthy hops to lay on.

Italian Pilsners are quite comparable to the German-style but are dry-hopped. We can track the birth of the Italian-style Pils to a single brewery and beer that was produced more than 15 years ago, Birrifico Italiano’s Tipopils. Brewed in the German Pils tradition, which is not surprising since Birrifico Italiano is in Limido Comasco, Northern Italy with only Switzerland separating it from southern Germany. The choice of hops is very important as they need to impart the appropriate Noble Hop characters (spicy, minty, perfumy, and pleasant). Although, some American examples may use some citrusy hop varieties, so long as the fruit notes are not overpowering. More common in local examples are newer German hop varieties such as German Amarillo, Mandarina Bavaria, Polaris, Hallertau Blanc, and Hüll Melon.

As with Kellerbier, usually the same quantitative properties as a German Pils.

Stereo Pilsner, A Czech Pilsner
Stereo Brewing, Placentia, CA.

Italian Pilsner can be a versatile gateway beer for beer drinkers looking to explore new styles but who might need to ease into them. The hazy/juicy beer drinker might not gravitate to the brightness of a Munich Helles lager, but the Italian Pilsner retains the hop presence he or she may be used to, yet still enjoy the uplifting brilliance of the lager. Likewise, a light lager drinker may want to explore a hop-forward beer but has been put off by the intense bitterness of an IPA. An Italian Pilsner can serve as the missing link for that person.

Pouring a Pilsner appropriately is also something to consider. The “Slow Pour,” again more accurately aided by the side-pull Czech faucets but not required, is when the beer is poured into the glass right down the middle allowing it to foam up most of the way up the glass then the massive head is allowed to dissipate. The process is repeated two or three more times until one has a full glass of Pils with a pillowy cloud floating on top. The result is the absence of a substantial amount of dissolved Co2 that lends a softer texture and less filling Pils. This can be done with both Czech and German Pils.

Multiple Side-Pull Faucets
Brewery X, Anaheim, CA.

The Czech beer culture has a few different types of pours. This is aided by the faucet that has a side-pull handle that has amazing flow control. Also, these faucets are meant to be placed into the glass and into the beer, which goes against all modern wisdom on draught system cleanliness. There are others, but the most common types of pours are the Hladinka, Šnyt (pronounced “shnit”), and Mlíko. Hladinka is a traditional pour of two-thirds beer and a thick cap of foam. The faucet aids here by creating the head then pouring clear beer underneath it. Šnyt is half and half which is self-explanatory. The last and most interesting pour is Mlíko which is just about all soft and milky foam! A nice final pour after a night of Pilsner session drinking.

Slow-Pour Pilsner, A German Style Pils
Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Denver, CO.

Pilsner is a seamless partner with food, especially spicy Mexican dishes with its sharp bitterness and cutting carbonation. Spicy hop aromatics harmonize with ingredients like onion and cilantro. Delicate shellfish will not be overpowered by a true Pilsner. The burst of bitterness isn’t IPA levels, so the gentle flavors of lobster or crab will rush in as soon it passes. Buffalo Wings? Pilsner can help put out the fire. Salty dishes will be tamed by the bitter hop notes. Also, indulge yourself and serve a genuine Pilsner in flutes as an aperitif before dinner. A bit of bitterness tends to wake up the palate and encourage appetite. Plus, it looks cool and it makes Champagne jealous.

Craft/Independent commercial examples are everywhere. Local breweries are sure to have some available at some point, and most likely sooner rather than later. Locally here in Orange County (OC) frequent and occasional producers of Pilsner include GameCraft, Bearded Tang, Stereo, Brewery X, The Bruery, Green Cheek, Station Craft, Radiant, Flashpoint, Asylum, and so many more of our 60 breweries. It may turn into an entire list of OC breweries by pandemic’s end. More widely available commercial examples include Trumer, Bitburger, Radeberger, Paulaner Pilsner, Veltins, Czechvar, Pilsner Urquell, STS, and many more.

Lagers, led by the Pilsner, might be just what we need once we safely begin to finally congregate at our favorite watering holes at the rates we used to before the pandemic. Relatively low ABV and lively on the palate, yet not overpowering whatsoever will encourage session drinking with good company. It is unfortunate considering the circumstances, but after years of speculating and failed predictions, the pleasant Pilsner might, at last, be the next beer trend.

Prost! / Na zdraví!!

Gilbert “Charlie” Perez, Advanced Cicerone®

* Portions of this essay have been obtained, combined, added to, and/or modified from my previous publications on the subject for Orange Coast Magazine. *

Hop Creep: The Ghost of Brewing's Past

Ever had a wonderful, hop-forward beer at a brewery only to wonder why it tastes a bit dry, or over-carbonated, or perhaps developed some unpleasant Diacetyl in the can or bottle you brought home? You just had it a few days ago from the source, yet now there’s something not right about it. What’s scary is a can or bottle becoming over-carbonated and leaving you with a puddle to mop up when it once had appropriate levels of CO2. Almost as if these changes seemingly crept up on the beer. Well, they kind of did.

The Past

There’s a phenomenon in the brewing industry that was seemingly forgotten or at least put on the sidelines for over 100 years. Dry Hop Creep (Hop Creep for short) is very interesting and is important for brewers to understand, especially if they want to make exceptional IPAs. First mentioned in an article in The Brewers Guardian in 1893 by Horace T. Brown and G. Harris Morris, it was known that adding hops to beer at the end or near the end of fermentation helped dry out, or “freshen” the beer by fermenting some leftover carbohydrates the initial fermentation may have left behind. The article makes a few logical hypotheses on what causes refermentation after Dry Hopping.

Let’s first address what dry hopping is for those who may now be aware. Dry hopping is the addition of dried hops into the fermenter either at the tail end of fermentation or when it has been completed. Hops contain, among other things, acids & oils that are essential to the finished beer’s flavor. The acids require to be boiled to impart their bitterness to balance out the beer’s natural sweetness. The oils, by contrast, contribute much of the hop flavor (piny, herbal, and/or fruity aromas) and are volatile so they benefit from late additions in the boil or after fermentation. Dry hopping contributes to the iconic flavors and aromas we associate with the modern IPA (clear or otherwise).

For Brown and Morris, the question they had wasn’t about flavor, it was about dryness. They knew adding hops at the end of fermentation would induce a secondary fermentation, but they didn’t know why. They hypothesized that within hops there must be either 1) Fermentable sugars, 2) wild yeast or bacteria, or 3) enzymes. After data collection from experimentation, the evidence suggested to Brown and Morris the presence of a diastase, enzymes, in this case, are indeed found in hops.

Quick aside: The term Dry Hop comes from this drying out of the beer (or freshening), not from adding dried hops to the fermented beer, as is most often used as the reason for the term. However, the modern-day use of the term renders both explanations acceptable.

What does this all mean? Put on your beer goggles, er, I mean, put your glasses on and grab an IPA, because this is going to get frothy and nerdy. Let’s talk about some beer science!

The Nerdy Talk

With current research, we now are aware of four enzymes found in hops: Alpha (α) Amylase, Bata (β) Amylase, Limit Dextrinase, and Amyloglucosidase. (It must be noted that the direct presence of Amyloglucosidase hasn’t been detected, but the activity is similar to its end product.) Some of these are found in malted barley, as well. Enzymes by themselves do not ferment beer. That’s the yeast’s job. What the enzymes do, in this case, is break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars.

In brewing, enzymes are proteins that catalyze to accelerate a biological chemical reaction.
Enzymes are found naturally in malted barley and are heat-activated during the mash (steeped in hot water). Of the many enzymes found in malted barley, α-Amylase, and β-Amylase are the ones that brewers rely on to extract carbohydrates. This is done by the enzymes breaking down complex carbohydrates, or starches, into simpler sugars. Starch conversion happens around 131°F to about 162°F, with α-Amylase most active between about 154 – 162°F with some activity noticed as low as 149°F, while β-Amylase is most active around 140 - 149°F. Limit Dextrinase, an enzyme found in raw barley, but is almost completely denatured by the malting process, and Amyloglucosidase, the enzyme used in Brut IPA’s, do the same but more methodically. Both have been known to be active to around 140°F and have shown signs of movement at much lower temperatures. It should be noted that enzyme activity seen at very low temperatures is minimal, and very little data is out there, but the evidence is there nonetheless. The pH of the mash plays a part in the big picture with the optimum for the enzymes being between about 4 and 5. As luck would have it, that’s the pH of a typical IPA.

Long-chain carbohydrates from malted barley are made up of Glucose (a monosaccharide when isolated by itself) molecules linked together by various linkages. Two linked Glucose molecules form the disaccharide Maltose. The trisaccharide Maltotriose has three Glucose molecules. Longer chains of glucose form the polysaccharide called Amylose (image above*). These are all linked together by an α(1-4) bond.

Amylopectin (image above*) contains multiple branches of Amylose chains bonded by an α(1-6) linkage that flare out to create a large complex carbohydrate. With that in mind, α-Amylase catalyzes the α(1-4) bonds seemingly at random to release Maltose while β-Amylase is more methodical at snipping away at the same type of linkages releasing even more Maltose. As proficient as they are, α and β-Amylase, still can’t break down the complex carbohydrates completely and they leave behind some Dextrins, or unfermentable sugars, particularly those with an α(1-6) linkage. Limit Dextrinase and Amyloglucosidase can snap the α(1-6) bonds.

Is the issue becoming a bit more apparent now?

The Creep

If a packaged beer that has been highly dry-hopped and those hops contained large amounts of diastase, we could have a major problem. A beer stored cold could still show some Hop Creep by the enzymatic activity producing some extra sugars. It won’t ferment out since any yeast that may be present is inactive and will remain in the finished beer. There could be some refermentation happening in the can or bottle if it is not stored cold and there is some yeast present. Any residual sugars could be broken down and the remaining yeast could begin to ferment it. This would be nice if it was meant to be a bottle-conditioned beer. If it wasn’t, however, there could be additional ethanol production that might knock the beer out of compliance.

Should any refermentation occur in the packed product, an increase in CO2 levels will be noticeable because the gas can not escape and will be reabsorbed into the beer. It could create some geysers when opened for a cool show and a bit of a mess if CO2 levels reach excessive amounts. It was thought that Hop Creep was responsible for some beer grenades, but the wild yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae var. Diastaticus is the more likely culprit. That's not to say that Hop Creep alone can't cause some exploding cans and bottles. Also, fermentation by-products end up in the packaged product that will be impossible to get out of the beer. In particular...

Diacetyl = Butter. Movie Theater Popcorn in beer? No Thanks.
Photo by Jessica Rice McNew of Beer and Baking

...Diacetyl, the dreaded D-word in brewing. This compound causes beer off-flavors best described as butter, movie theater popcorn, or butterscotch candy. Diacetyl is produced by yeast during the initial stages of fermentation. While the yeast cell creates the amino acid Valine, this part of its metabolism cycle produces the compound α-Acetolactate along this pathway. A non-enzymatic oxidative decarboxylation of α-Acetolactate outside the yeast cell converts it to 2,3-Butanedione, the compound we know as Diacetyl. As fermentation wraps up, most of the Diacetyl is reabsorbed into the yeast cell. Through some more enzymatic activity, Diacetyl is converted to 2,3-Butanediol, which has a much higher threshold for us humans so we can't taste it. Brewers refer to this as the “Diacetyl Rest” and the reduction is done in the fermenter, usually by letting the temperature rise slightly.

This poses a predicament when an IPA leaves the brewery without any Diacetyl notes and reputable reviewers or customers keep insisting the packed product tasted like butter. Once any Hop Creep happens and there is any viable yeast left in the beer, the yeast will consume the sugars but will not be active enough and/or warm enough for a proper Diacetyl Rest. The once great-tasting IPA is now a butter bomb.

Acetaldehyde will also be produced along. If the yeast is healthy, fermentation will run its course as best it can creating Ethanol from Acetaldehyde. Although it may not be a big jump, it may be enough to place a beer out of spec.

The Future

Dry Hop Creep isn’t a universal problem, however. Recent evidence suggests it may be dependent on many factors. Research shows that hop varietals differ in diastatic power. For example, the preliminary findings indicate Citra and Noble Hops may have very little enzymatic power present while Cascade and Centennial have shown a noticeable amount. A cultivar is not the only factor to consider; year, yield, farm location (terroir), and harvesting process may also be a factor.

It turns out one of the most interesting areas for future study could be the drying process after hops are cultivated. A common practice is to have hops dried from 80%(+/-) moisture down to around 8 to 10% moisture and pelletized at a much lower temperature as opposed to the higher heat in years past. The temperature for drying high alpha acid fresh wet hops off the bine is anywhere from 130°F to 140°F, with some farms as high as 145°F.

The Hop Quality Group conducted research and found that lower-temperature kilning preserved delicate thiols and oils. Aroma hops, those typically used in Dry Hopping, were already dried at lower temperatures. Today, it is getting down to only about 100°F or even lower. It is thought lower temperature drying improves the aromatic properties of the hops.

This, unwillingly, may have left much of the enzymes intact since the heat does not reach high enough to denature them. More research needs to be done on this aspect, but the correlation between when this process in hop processing and Hop Creep's jump-scare into the modern-day beer scene can't be ignored.

Fresh Hops on a Bine

Playing "Creep" Away

It’s not all doom and gloom. There are plenty of ways to avoid any possible Hop Creep in one's brewery. Aside from the obvious solution of adding less or no Dry Hop to your IPA (not going to happen!), here are a few things to consider along with their possible drawbacks.

1) Sterile Filter, Centrifuge, and/or Coarse Filter

A good sterile filter or centrifuge removes any possible refermentation that could cause access carbonation and/or Diacetyl by removing the yeast, but it will not prevent any added breakdown of sugars by the enzymes that could end up adding a sweeter taste as time passes. A coarse filter can remove any vegetal matter that contains the enzymes to prevent any further breakdown of sugars.

2) Pasteurise the Beer Before Packaging

This may be an off-putting option for many brewers, and not just because of the added expense of new equipment. Although pasteurizing will kill off any yeast present and denature the enzymes, the high heat will alter the intended flavor of a highly hopped beer.

3) Dry Hop at the Tail End of Fermentation

By Dry Hopping when primary fermentation is close to wrapping up or during the Diacetyl Rest, any added enzymatic activity can occur when there is yeast present to consume any additional fermentable sugar. This may add some extra attenuation (percentage of extract available consumed by yeast) to the end product, but that can be accounted for with some experience. Embrace the creep.

4) Invest in a Dissolved Oxygen Meter

As noted above, α-Acetolactate requires oxygen to decarboxylate into Diacetyl. Although dissolved oxygen is required for proper yeast metabolism in its early stages, any dissolved oxygen left over can aid in the creation of the unwanted buttery compound.

5) ALDC (Alpha Acetolactate Decarboxylase)

ALDC is an added enzyme brewers can use to control Diacetyl production. It catches the α-Acetolactate and turns it directly into Acetoin, bypassing the Diacetyl stage in the cycle. Although this does not deal with any of the hop enzymatic activity, it can be a solution to prevent movie theater popcorn aromas in the finished beer. This only helps with Diacetyl and does not fix Hop Creep.

This subject has become a recent topic of great interest to brewing chemists and brewers of all experience levels. An idea proposed over a century ago is finally, with the great minds applying modern technology and chemistry knowledge, at a point where we can begin to understand what is happening at a molecular level. As more data is collected by research and experimentation, the knowledge surrounding Dry Hop Creep will only continue to increase. For now, there is enough information for the talented IPA producers to embrace “the freshening power of the hop” to keep crafting quality highly hopped beers. Nothing creepy about that.

Cheers!

Gilbert “Charlie” Perez, Advanced Cicerone®

References/Resources:

Brown, H. T., & Morris, G. Ha. (1893). On Certain Functions of Hops Used In The Dry-Hopping Of Beers. The Brewer’s Guardian. (Google Books)

Janicki, J., Kotasthane, W. V., Parker, A., & Walker, T. K. (1941). The Diastatic Activity of Hops, Together With a Note on Maltase in Hops. Institute of Brewing Research Scheme. (Online Library)

Hieronymus, S. (2012). For the Love of Hops: The Practical Guide to Aroma, Bitterness and the Culture of Hops. Brewers Publications (Brewers Association).

Kirkendall, J. A., Mitchell, C. A., & Chadwick, L. R. (2018). The Freshening Power of Centennial Hops. Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists, 76(3)

Kirkpatrick, K., & Shellhammer, T. (2018). A Cultivar-Based Screening of Hops for Dextrin Degrading Enzymatic Potential. Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists. 76(4)

Kirkpatrick, K., & Shellhammer, T. (2018). Evidence of Dextrin Hydrolyzing Enzymes in Cascade Hops (Humulus Lupulus). Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 66

Viva. (Accessed 2020). 10 Difference Between Amylose And Amylopectin (With Pictures & Structure). Viva Differences. (*Image Source).

https://vivadifferences.com/difference-between-amylose-and-amylopectin/

Hop Creep Technical Brief 

https://cdn.brewersassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Hop-Creep-%E2%80%93-Technical-Brief.pdf

Shellhammer, T. (2019). Hop Creep Derived Enzymes and Hop Creep. Master Brewers Association of the Americas - Presentation Slides.
https://www.mbaa.com/meetings/districtpresentations/DistrictPresentations/SHELLHAMMER,%20Hop-derived%20enzymes%20and%20hop%20creep.pdf

Hieronymus, S. (2020).Brewing with Hops: Don’t Be Creeped Out. Craft Beer and Brewing.

https://beerandbrewing.com/brewing-with-hops-dont-be-creeped-out/

Henderson, S. (2018). How “Dry Hop Creep” Causes Diacetyl In Beer and How Brewers Can Minimise The Risk. Rockstar Brewer

https://rockstarbrewer.com/how-dry-hop-creep-causes-diacetyl-in-beer-and-how-brewers-can-minimise-the-risk/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDry%20Hop%20Creep%E2%80%9D%20is%20a,hopped%20can%20occur%20in%20package.&text=That%20hops%20contain%20a%20%E2%80%9Cdiastase,fermentable%20sugars%20into%20fermentable%20sugars.

Kirkpatrick, K. (2019). An Attempt at Understanding Hop Enzymes and Their Action on Dry-Hopped Beers, Q&A PDF. American Society of Brewing Chemists.

https://www.asbcnet.org/lab/webinars/webinars/Documents/20190418_QandA_HopEnzymesWebinar.pdf

White Labs, (Accessed 2020). Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Var. Diastaticus.
https://www.whitelabs.com/diastaticus

Rockstar Brewer Youtube Channel. (2019). How Dry Hop Creep Causes Diacetyl in Beer Plus 7 Ways You Can Manage it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVFPnD5saoE

Master Brewers Podcast - Youtube Channel. (2018). 098: Dry Hop Creep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNcrJexo1pI&t=22s

Master Brewers Podcast - Youtube Channel. (2019). 127: Dry Hop Creep Continued - Does Variety Matter? (Live Episode).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3xWyM1nGb8&t=1372s

University of Oklahoma - Janux Youtube Channel. (2014). Chemistry of Beer Playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTve54sz-eh-I4N1VmmskFrW9CS65iUiM

Photos by me unless noted otherwise.

It’s Time to Shine! Radiant Beer Co. Open to the Public

Blank Slate, Parallel Path, and Becoming More Real by Radiant Beer Co.

*Updated February 19th, 2021*

Where one giant that was too ambitious to succeed was slain, another with the right vigor and comprehension has resurrected in its place. Housed where Towne Park used to be, Radiant Beer Co. is Anaheim’s newest brewery to add to OC’s impressive line-up of amazing beer producers. Radiant is shining brightly ever since their initial releases of Blank Slate (Witbier), Parallel Path (West Coast IPA), and Becoming More Real (Hazy IPA).

Released as a sneak-peak back in early January, these first three Radiant offerings were an appropriate display of the skills, experience, and potential of this tight-knit award-winning team. Lead by Managing Partner Jonas Nemura, Director of Brewing Andrew Bell, and Director of Marketing Cambria Griffith, this team gained much clout during their careers at The Bruery.

Left to Right: Andrew Bell, Jonas Nemura, and Cambria Griffith
Photo by Radiant Beer Co.

Since then, the patio area has been opened up while more improvements and renovations continue indoors. Soon, Radiant's tasting room will have a more colorful decor, murals, and, of course, beers for us to enjoy. Furthermore, a food concept will be added (flatbreads are a big possibility, but my money is on tacos!) along with activities, when it is safe to do so, such as creating your own tie-dye shirt.

The brewery itself keeps shifting in the right direction, too. Unusable tanks, piping, and plumbing accessories have been removed and replaced where applicable, and a new RO Water System. Furthermore, the inherited canning line will be refurbished for future use. A barrel program is already underway with some impressive finds to age some beer in. Names like Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, and Wild Turkey adorn the first barrels acquired by Bell and the team.

But, how are the suds? Well, a small review of the original three beers plus a current favorite are below.

Blank Slate

Witbiers can be romanticized as the feeling of a summer evening breeze on the beach in beer form. This Witbier embodies that sentiment as it pours out a veiled straw-colored with a pillow of foam just as the waves leave behind. Aromas of white tea leaves, lime zest, and an entire spice cabinet. Flavors are soft, yet present, with notes of grain, tea, orange, lime, sage, mint, and a faint acidity note that lends to the refreshingly dry finish. Wonderful stuff!! This will be one of those on regular rotation it seems. Can’t wait to pair this with a goat cheese omelet.

Becoming More Real

I’m not a hazy guy. If you are even remotely close to knowing anything about me, that would be one of the first things that I’ll unapologetically admit. With that said, my honest opinion here is…. Wow! This is some good stuff! These are the hazy’s, when I drink, I understand why a lot of beer drinkers admire them. Pours out a foggy (duh!) orange that looks like a Weissbier at first glance with a giant white cloud on top. Aromas of peaches and cream, coconut, and white strawberry with the taste being much the same. The texture is creamy, and bitterness is low but present in the finish. Pair this with your favorite salty ramen or spicy Indian curry dishes.

Parallel Path

Put another tick mark on great IPA’s out of Orange County. Golden pale-colored with a lightly off-white cap. On the nose, oh, the nose…. Various berries, cucumbers, and oranges spritzed with lime juice, and a hint of dried chives. The palate radiates (pun intended!) with blueberries, orange peels, limes, underripe pineapple, and a bit of that “dank” we all have come to love (or accept). The mouthfeel is smooth and a snappy bitter finish. Do you like firey Thai dishes such as Pad Kee Mao? Pair them with Parallel Path.

Inherent Good

Lager beers are some of my favorite styles, and I am quite critical of them. My criticism of this beer is... Nothing! We are spoiled in OC to have such wonderful Lager producers and we have yet another to add to our already impressive list. A dry-hopped version of their Recommission Lager generously dosed with Saphir hops. Crisp and refreshing, as any clean traditional Pale Lager should and with flavors of herbal tea, lemongrass, green spices, and fresh hay beam out of the glass. A pint is not enough! A mug is a must for this one.

Bell on the Brew-Deck of the Impressive Brewhouse
Photo by Radiant Beer Co.

This is a good, strong showing out of the gate for Radiant. I trust this is only a sign of what's to come. Do any of the three beers seem like they would be up your alley? I encourage you to give them a try. I thoroughly enjoyed each one of them. I can’t wait to see the completed transformation and enjoy a beer on-premise. See you there!

Inherent Good Dry-Hopped Lager

Public sales began on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021. It was symbolically considered their "opening day" for pick-up and delivery until regulations/recommendations allow for safe on-premise enjoyment. As of now, the patio is open for on-site consumption, too.

Radiant Beer Co. is located at 1566 W. Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA.

Web, Facebook, Instagram.

Stay safe, wear your face-covering, and respect your fellow humans.

Cheers!

Gilbert “Charlie” Perez, Advanced Cicerone®