Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast · Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine

West Coast Pils Panel Discussion Live From the Brewers Retreat

·56 min·5 clips

Jamie Bogner hosts a live panel with top brewers discussing West Coast Pils at the Brewers Retreat.

This live panel discussion from the Brewers Retreat explores the emerging West Coast Pilsner style. Host Jamie Bogner moderates brewers Bob Coons of Highland Park, Chris Johnson of Green Bench, and Evan Price of Green Cheek. The brewers define the style through their own brewing philosophies and commercial examples. The conversation establishes that West Coast Pils is not a formally defined category but a brewer-driven movement. Panelists discuss using classic German or Czech Pilsner recipes as a base. They emphasize the importance of a very dry finish and high carbonation. A key topic is the assertive use of American and Southern Hemisphere hop varieties for aroma and flavor. The brewers debate the role of hop bitterness, with some advocating for a noticeable, crisp bitterness. Specific hopping techniques like dry-hopping are examined for their impact on the delicate Pilsner frame. The discussion also covers practical fermentation and lagering approaches for brewers. An interesting insight is that the style often serves as a creative outlet within the constraints of a light lager. The panelists agree the beer must remain clean and drinkable despite the bold hop character. A surprising claim is that this style can attract IPA drinkers to the lager category. The brewers note the importance of water chemistry, particularly sulfate levels, in enhancing hop perception. Memorable moments include the brewers tasting and comparing each other's commercial West Coast Pilsners live. They share anecdotes about customer reactions and the style's reception in their taprooms. The tone is conversational, educational, and collegial, reflecting a shared passion among professionals. The style is informal and workshop-like, driven by practical brewing experience. Homebrewers and professional brewers interested in lager innovation and hop techniques would love this episode. Listeners seeking a highly structured, history-focused beer style deep dive might find it too niche.

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