hofstettner aurora - imperial pilsner

Aurora is not only the name of the Roman goddess of dawn and the scientific name for the Northern Lights, but also a hop variety. Bred in Slovenia, it combines the citrusy freshness of lemongrass and lime with floral notes, pine resin, forest herbs, and a delicate spiciness. In addition to its full-bodied bouquet, this green gold offers a moderate bitterness.

The Hofstetten brewery from Austria is putting this somewhat lesser-known hop variety in the spotlight with its latest creation: Aurora is an Imperial Pilsner crafted by world champion beer sommelier Karl Schiffner. The current version is based on his original recipe but has been further developed and perfected by his son Felix. This robust Pilsner combines a substantial 50 IBUs with a wealth of expansive hop notes, achieved through triple hopping. The hops used come from the Mühlviertel region, near the brewery.

Aurora pours from the bottle in crystal-clear, sun-gold hues, crowned with a generous amount of densely pored, creamy, lightly tinted foam. Fresh citrus zest mingles with the aroma of freshly harvested hop cones for an exquisite first impression. The taste reveals a masterful interplay of straightforward bitterness, soft cereal notes, and fruity freshness. Aurora is an unpretentious pilsner that impresses with its structured finesse and a clear focus on the hops.