August Schell Pils

Tasting Notes

The aroma leads with fresh, grassy noble hops — likely Saaz or a similar variety — backed by clean, lightly sweet malt. On the palate, the bitterness is firm but not aggressive, with a dry, bready grain character that keeps things grounded. The body is medium-light, with a sustained carbonation that moves the flavor through cleanly. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, lingering just long enough to invite another sip without overstaying its welcome.

About the Brewery

August Schell Brewing is based in New Ulm, Minnesota, and was founded in 1860, making it one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the United States. They survived Prohibition by producing near-beer and soft drinks, and the Marti family has run the operation for generations. Schell's is known for its commitment to traditional German lager styles, and their lineup leans heavily on the Central European brewing heritage that defined New Ulm's immigrant community.

Food Pairings

A German Pilsner like this pairs well with roasted chicken because the dry bitterness cuts through the fat without overwhelming the seasoning. Bratwurst or weisswurst is a natural match, as the beer's clean malt backbone complements the mild, herby pork. Hard, salty cheeses like aged Gouda or Gruyère work well because salt amplifies the hop character. Lightly fried foods — schnitzel, fish and chips — benefit from the carbonation and bitterness acting as a palate cleanser between bites.

Style Guide

German Pilsner is a pale, bottom-fermented lager that prioritizes hop bitterness and dryness over the softer, rounder character found in its Czech cousin. Originating in northern Germany as a drier, more bitter adaptation of the Bohemian Pilsner style, it typically features noble hop varieties — Saaz, Hallertau, Tettnang — and a lean, well-attenuated malt body. ABVs generally fall in the 4.5–5.5% range. What sets it apart from Czech Pilsner is its sharper bitterness, lower residual sweetness, and notably crisper finish.