Italian Pilsner – What is an Italian Pilsner?

Buoy Italian Pilsner is back and making its summer debut! Crafted with a blend of tradition and a splash of West Coast innovation, this beer is set to become your new favorite thirst-quencher that beats the heat. 

What is an Italian Pilsner? 

You may have heard the term Italian Pilsner recently, as the style has become increasingly popular in the U.S. over the last couple years. Italian Pilsners are a nod to the classic pilsners that originated in the Pilsen region that is now the Czech Republic and the more hop forward German Pilsner, but with a uniquely Italian twist. The Italian pilsner style originated in 1996 when the brewery Birrificio Italiano decided to put their own spin on a German Pilsner by dry-hopping their beer Tipopils (or “kind of pils” in Italian) with noble hops. Still not an official Brewers Association beer style, brewers have enjoyed being able to put their own spin on it. 

Our Italian Pilsner is brewed with Eraclea barley, meticulously grown near the Adriatic Sea northeast of Venice, Italy. This special barley lends a distinctive malty-sweet aroma with notes of oat and honey. We’ve also selected Magnum (for bittering) and Spalter and Tettnang (for dry-hopping) hops from Germany, giving the beer earthy, herbal, and spicy hop notes that complement its clean bitterness. As always with our lagers, we allow long-enough lagering times to ensure a smooth, refreshing taste that’s crisp and clean.  

Brewed in Astoria, Oregon – Where Innovation Meets Tradition 

Situated where the Columbia River meets the rugged Oregon coast, Astoria isn’t just a place—it’s a brewing destination. Buoy Beer Co. calls this maritime gem home, drawing inspiration from the salt-kissed air and rich history of our surroundings. This unique atmosphere infuses every batch of beer we craft at Buoy Beer Co., blending the innovation of modern brewing techniques with a nod to the traditions that define great beer.