Ayinger’s Pilsner is simple perfection

Last week I tried a brand-new beer that isn’t part of a trend or on any “must-have” radar. But I wish it were — it’s one of the best beers I’ve had all year. This offering comes from Ayinger, an old, classic brewery that rarely releases new beers into the market.

In fact, my first sip of Ayinger’s Bavarian Pils reminded me that simplicity and pureness can make for a beer that borders on perfection.

Since 1878 Ayinger has been brewing beer in a small town just outside of Munich, and it is one of the most well-known breweries in the world. It exclusively produces classic German-style beers; among its most popular brews are the rich and decadent Celebrator Doppelbock, and light and refreshing Brauweisse Hefeweizen.

Ayinger has also brewed a Pilsner for some time but until now had never released it in the U.S.

Breweries like Ayinger don’t chase trends. You’d probably never see them making a sour beer or a mango- infused IPA. They stick to clean beers that follow the centuries-old German beer purity law called Reinheitsgebot, which requires that breweries use just four ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast. American breweries consider this ancient law restrictive because it doesn’t allow for the addition of “adjuncts,” additives for flavor, aroma and body — these could include anything from chocolate to spices. But Ayinger proves with its Bavarian Pils that four simple ingredients can create a masterpiece.

The new bottle release fortuitously coincides with the coming summer months. Its brilliantly clear, golden Pilsner is crisp, refreshing and delicately loaded with flavor, perfect for a warm day.

Don’t be fooled by the simple, clean taste. Ayinger’s mastery in brewing this Pilsner shines through in its easy-drinking quality and its subtle flavor. You’ll first notice bready grain flavors that have no trace of sweetness. These are balanced ever so carefully with German hops that provide a snappy, dry finish. It’s that exact balance of grain, hops and a crisp finish — so difficult to achieve — that Ayinger has delivered with perfect execution.

Trends come and go, but Ayinger’s Bavarian Pils is a beer that will stand the test of time and never get old.

Tim Golden, a certified cicerone, shares his obsession with all things craft beer monthly. See his blog, “Beer in Hawaii,” at beerinhawaii.com.