How do you jump into the world of modern craft brewing but stay loyal to the traditions that define your brewery? Gordon Biersch brewer Dan Gordon was looking to make a beer that did exactly that: provide the flavors today’s craft beer lover wants but staying within the German Purity Laws by which the San Jose brewery operates. The Beer of the Week is Gordon Biersch Imperial Pilsner Brau.
Gordon Biersch rolls out limited edition,
750 ml. “Big Beer” program for 2012
IPB to be the first of a five beer seriesSan Jose, Calif. (March 15, 2012) – Dan Gordon, co-founder of Gordon Biersch Brewery announced today the launch of the company’s limited edition, 750 ml. “big bottle” program for 2012. A series of rare, specialty brews with a limited production of 4,000 cases or less will be released throughout the year with Imperial Pilsner Brau (IPB) leading the charge. The brews are expected to appeal to the modern beer connoisseur as well as wine drinkers seeking an alternative beverage option.
“This is a beer unlike any other made before,” says Gordon. “We designed the IPB to pique the curiosity of the IPA drinker, and we hope to capture their palate preference with the unique, authentic flavor that is completely its own. This concept is all about innovation and beer creativity.”
Gordon Biersch Brewing Company imported 750ml. bottles from Germany as they do not exist in the United States. The brewing process takes place at the San Jose brewery and is topped off by hand with the addition of an historic German swing-top enclosure, dating back to the late 1800s.
Available on shelves in late May, IPB is an intensely-hopped, bold Pilsner that emphasizes the noble hops from central Europe: Hallertau, Tettnang, Spalt and Saaz. Brewed in accordance with the Germany Purity Law of 1516, it is naturally carbonated and unfiltered. IPB is 6.5% alcohol and 50 IBU.
The 750ml bottles will retail for approximately $8.99 at specialty grocers and liquor stores, as well as restaurants and bars in 17 United States markets including California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Washington DC, Maryland and Hawaii. For more information on IPB and its availability, please visit http://www.gordonbiersch.com/brewery/limited_releases/imperial_pilsnerbrau.html.
While Imperial Pilsner Brau has a basis in classic German brewing, Gordon was clear to point out that IPB is not brewed to any style. Using strictly European hops, IPB aims to attract hop heads as well as traditionalists with bold flavors not found in most ales.
Right away, Imperial Pilsner Brau kicks off with big hop aromas. These grassy, hayish notes rise out of the extremely effervescent beer. Spicy on the tongue but lightly bitter in the end, the hops have a touch of lemony pith that’s light and dances on the tongue, almost with a sense of acidity.
Nutty malt flavors provide a solid base for this imperial pilsner. Containing all the hallmarks of a classic pilsner but with a slight sweetness and heavier feel in the mouth, IPB strikes it’s own place in the craft beer world.
With the temperatures around the Bay Area spiking this weekend, it seems fitting that the thirsty hop heads should be treated with a beer like this. Lighter than your standard ales, IPB goes down easy while still providing plenty of flavor and hop presence. Look for this beer to start showing up on shelves shortly as they have already left the brewery and are headed your way.
