Haha Pils

Tasting Notes

A German-style pilsner in this mold typically leads with a clean, faintly grassy or floral hop aroma derived from noble varieties like Hallertau or Tettnang. The flavor balances soft malt sweetness against a firm but refined bitterness that lingers into a dry finish. Body is lean without being thin, and carbonation tends to be lively enough to keep the palate clean between sips. Arbeiter's take appears to follow that tradition faithfully, though specific tasting notes for this beer aren't something I can confirm independently.

About the Brewery

Arbeiter Brewing is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, operating as a worker-owned cooperative — an uncommon business structure in craft brewing that reflects a deliberate ethos around labor and community. They're known for straightforward, well-executed lagers and ales that favor restraint over trend-chasing, and their taproom has developed a following among drinkers who appreciate technically sound beer without a lot of noise around it. Their German-influenced lager program in particular has earned them a solid regional reputation.

Food Pairings

A dry, hop-forward German pilsner works well with roast chicken because the bitterness cuts through the fat without overwhelming the meat's mild flavor. Weisswurst or a good bratwurst is a natural match, leaning into the beer's Bavarian roots and letting the malt softness complement pork's sweetness. Fried fish — fish and chips or a simple pan-fried perch — benefits from the dry finish scrubbing the palate of oil. Mild, semi-soft cheeses like Havarti or Muenster pair well because they don't compete with the delicate hop character. Even a simple plate of radishes and butter, a traditional Bavarian bar snack, holds its own alongside the clean bitterness here.

Style Guide

German pilsner developed in the late 19th century as a northern German variation on the Bohemian pilsner originating in Plzeň. Where Czech pilsners tend toward a rounder, slightly sweeter malt profile, German pils pushes drier and more aggressively bitter, with hop character coming from noble varieties that contribute floral, herbal, or spicy notes rather than the fruity punch of American hops. ABV typically runs in the 4.5–5.2% range, keeping the body light and the beer highly sessionable. It's distinct from a Helles, which is softer and malt-forward, and from an American adjunct lager, which sacrifices hop character for neutrality.