session Pilsner

Decoction mashing is a traditional brewing technique in which a portion of the mash is drawn off, boiled, and returned to the kettle. This gradually raises the temperature of the entire mash while complex malt flavors develop. This technique adds depth and a fuller mouthfeel to the beer, even in lighter styles. It also provides subtle bready notes and a balance between caramelized malt sweetness and hop bitterness—a benefit especially appreciated in classic lagers and pilsners.

An excellent example of the successful application of this method is the Session Pils from the Lithuanian brewery Sakiškių alus. This beer demonstrates how much character can be contained in a light, 2.9% strength pilsner. In the glass, it presents itself in a delicate, cloudy orange-gold color, crowned by a white, airy, coarse-pored head that is rather volatile. The nose unfolds with fine herbal and floral notes, thanks to the Polish hop varieties Lubelski and Tomyski, which combine elegant spiciness with delicate floral freshness. On the palate, the Session Pils is refreshingly light and pleasantly mildly hopped. The malt notes created by the single decoction simultaneously provide a surprisingly round, almost bready foundation and delicately melting caramel notes.

A perfectly balanced session beer that offers depth of flavor despite its low alcohol content!