Firestone Walker Pivo Pils 6Pk

Firestone Walker Pivo Pils 6Pk is a dry-hopped German-style pilsner at 5.3% ABV, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. A three-time Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal winner (2013, 2014, 2015), Pivo Pils is widely credited with pioneering a new generation of hop-forward American pilsners through its innovative use of dry hopping with German Saphir hops.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.3%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, California  |  Style: Dry-Hopped German-Style Pilsner  |  Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Firestone Walker Brewing Company, based in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast, brews Pivo Pils with 100% German pilsner malt and a Bavarian yeast strain. The original inspiration came from Birrificio Italiano's Tipopils, a groundbreaking dry-hopped pilsner created by Italian brewer Agostino Arioli. Firestone Walker's interpretation dry hops with German Saphir hops — a technique that was considered revolutionary for American pilsners at the time of its release — producing delicate bergamot zest and lemongrass character layered over a classically clean lager base.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Floral aromatics arrive first, followed by spicy herbal nuances and a distinct lemongrass quality from the Saphir dry hopping. Underneath, there is a clean breadiness from the pilsner malt and subtle hints of white grape.

Taste: The entry is crisp and grainy, with pilsner malt providing a lean, bready backbone. Mid-palate, piney and grassy noble hop character emerges alongside lightly tangy citrus zest and a fleeting suggestion of fresh watermelon. The bitterness builds with surprising assertiveness for the style, keeping the beer taut and dry rather than sweet.

Finish: Clean, dry, and decisively bitter with lingering herbal and lemongrass notes. The finish is brisk and refreshing, encouraging another sip without any residual heaviness.

How to Drink Pivo Pils

Pivo Pils is best served cold — between 38°F and 45°F — in a pilsner glass or a simple pint glass to showcase its clarity and sustain its delicate hop aromatics. It drinks beautifully on its own as a standalone lager but also works well in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Radler pairs Pivo's herbal bitterness with fresh lemonade for a sessionable warm-weather drink. A Michelada benefits from its crisp dryness, which cuts through the lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice. A Shandy with grapefruit juice amplifies the citrus zest already present in the Saphir hops.

Best For

• Backyard grilling sessions where a crisp, hop-forward lager complements charred meats and summer vegetables
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to what a modern American pilsner can achieve beyond mainstream lagers
• Stocking a cooler for beach days or outdoor gatherings where drinkability matters
• Pairing with a multi-course dinner as a palate-cleansing beer between heavier dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pivo Pils taste like? Pivo Pils tastes crisp and dry with a clean pilsner malt backbone, floral and herbal hop character, notes of lemongrass and citrus zest, and a surprisingly firm bitter finish.

How does Pivo Pils compare to Russian River STS Pils? Both are highly regarded California-brewed craft pilsners — the two breweries have even collaborated on STiVO, a mashup of their flagship pilsners. Pivo Pils leans into German Saphir dry hopping for floral lemongrass notes, while STS Pils uses different hop varieties and achieves a slightly different aromatic profile, though both share a commitment to clean, dry lager brewing.

Is Pivo Pils good for craft beer beginners? Pivo Pils is an excellent entry point for anyone curious about craft lagers, as its 5.3% ABV and clean, approachable flavor profile bridge the gap between mainstream pilsners and more aggressively hopped craft styles.

Where is Pivo Pils made? Pivo Pils is brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California, on the state's Central Coast — a region better known for wine but home to one of America's most respected craft breweries.

What foods pair well with Pivo Pils? Grilled white fish benefits from Pivo's herbal bitterness and lemon-like zest. Soft pretzels with mustard echo the bready malt character. Light salads with goat cheese match the beer's crisp acidity. Margherita pizza pairs naturally with the clean, dry finish. Ceviche complements the citrus and floral hop notes.

What sizes does Pivo Pils come in? Pivo Pils is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, and may also be found in cans and draft depending on market availability.

Is Pivo Pils worth the price? Pivo Pils positions as a premium craft pilsner, priced above mainstream domestic lagers but competitive within the craft six-pack tier — its three GABF Gold Medals and Craft Beer & Brewing score of 92/100 reflect a level of quality that justifies the step up.

Why Pivo Pils?

Pivo Pils didn't just win three consecutive GABF Gold Medals — it helped reshape how American craft brewers think about pilsner. By applying dry-hopping techniques with German Saphir hops to a classically clean lager base, Firestone Walker created a beer that is simultaneously traditional in its structure and forward-thinking in its aromatics. The bergamot and lemongrass character that Saphir contributes sets Pivo apart from both European pilsners and the wave of American craft lagers that followed in its wake. For drinkers who want a pilsner with genuine depth and provenance, Pivo remains the benchmark.