Rothaus Pilsner

Rothaus Pilsner, also known as Rothaus Tannenzäpfle or simply "Zäpfle," is a classic German pilsner brewed in the Black Forest region. It has an alcohol content of 5.1% and is traditionally bottled in a distinctive 330ml "fir cone"-shaped bottle.

Description and Tasting Notes:

  • Appearance: Clear, bright light gold color with a very fine, long-lasting white foam head.

  • Aroma: Fresh and invigorating, evoking Alpine meadows with subtle notes of grains and yeast. The scent is herbal and reminiscent of Black Forest meadow herbs.

  • Flavor: Starts lean but becomes almost creamy due to good effervescence. It balances a mild malt sweetness and caramel notes with a noticeable yet never overwhelming bitterness. The finish is fresh and zesty, with a subtle bitter aftertaste that is clean and not scratchy. The hops used (Hallertau and Tettnang) lend a dry, herbal, noble-hop character with hints of lemon zest and grassy, spicy notes.

  • Mouthfeel: Tangy and lively, with a crisp and clean profile that is soft for a pilsner but maintains persistent bitterness and a dry finish.

Ingredients and Brewing:

  • Made with pure spring water from protected Black Forest sources, local summer barley malt, and aromatic hops from Tettnang and Hallertau.

  • The recipe is simple and traditional: water, barley malt, hops, and yeast.

  • The brewery focuses on consistency despite changing raw materials, ensuring a stable, high-quality product.

Cultural and Historical Notes:

  • The 330ml "Tannenzäpfle" bottle introduced in 1956 helped popularize smaller beer bottle sizes worldwide.

  • The brewery dates back to 1791, originally founded by monks, and has a strong heritage in the Black Forest.

  • Rothaus Pilsner enjoys a cult following in Germany and is considered by many experts to be one of the world's best pilsners.

In summary, Rothaus Pilsner is a fresh, tangy, and balanced German pilsner with a clean, herbal aroma and a crisp, slightly creamy mouthfeel. It is prized for its elegant bitterness and refreshing finish, making it a standout example of the style