Tannenzäpfle

Tasting Notes

The aroma leads with fresh, grassy hops and a faint floral note, backed by clean malt underneath. On the palate, there's a firm but balanced bitterness from Hallertau-type hops alongside a light, bready malt base that keeps things grounded. The body is lean without feeling thin, and the finish is dry and moderately bitter — longer and more assertive than most lagers from neighboring countries. It's a textbook example of the northern German Pilsner tradition, tightly brewed and consistent.

About the Brewery

Rothaus is a state-owned brewery located in the Black Forest of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, operating since 1791. It's one of the few remaining publicly owned breweries in Germany, run by the state of Baden-Württemberg. Tannenzäpfle — named after a pine cone, referencing its forested surroundings — has become a cult favorite well beyond the region and is widely regarded as one of Germany's finest Pilsners. The brewery maintains a relatively focused lineup and a strong local identity.

Food Pairings

Grilled bratwurst is a natural match because the dry, bitter finish cuts through the fat and seasoning cleanly. Soft pretzels with mustard work well since the malt backbone echoes the bread while the bitterness contrasts the salt. Lightly battered fried fish benefits from the hop dryness acting as a palate cleanser between bites. A simple charcuterie spread of cured meats and mild cheese is a low-effort pairing where the beer's restraint lets the food lead without clashing.

Style Guide

German Pilsner, sometimes called Deutsches Pils, is a pale lager defined by its pronounced hop bitterness, dry finish, and lean, crackery malt character. It originated in the late 19th century as German brewers adapted the Bohemian Pilsner style pioneered in Plzeň, pushing the bitterness higher and the body lighter to suit northern German tastes. Compared to Czech Pilsner, the German version is drier, more aggressively hopped, and less malt-forward; compared to a generic international lager, it has far more hop presence and structural dryness. ABV typically falls between 4.7% and 5.2%.