Midwest Coast The Volkslager 6Pk

Midwest Coast The Volkslager 6Pk is a German-style Pilsner from Chicago's Midwest Coast Brewing Company, packaged as a six-pack at 4.7% ABV. Brewed with traditional Old World ingredients — pilsner malt, Vienna malt, and noble Saaz hops — this lager delivers a clean, cracker-forward profile that the brewery unapologetically calls "beer flavored beer."

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.7%  |  IBU: 30  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: German Pilsner  |  Brewery: Midwest Coast Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Midwest Coast Brewing Company operates out of 2137 W. Walnut Street in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The brewery earned a Bronze Medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival for its ESB, establishing credibility across European-inspired styles. The Volkslager is built on a straightforward grain bill of pilsner malt with a small addition of Vienna malt for subtle depth, hopped exclusively with Czech Saaz — a classic noble hop variety — and fermented with a regional lager yeast. The result is a pilsner rooted in German tradition but brewed with a Midwestern sensibility, emphasizing drinkability and restrained bitterness at 30 IBU.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Biscuit and light bready malt lead the nose, followed by a subtle sweetness reminiscent of corn-like adjunct character and clean pilsner yeast. A faint herbal, spicy hop note rounds out the bouquet without dominating.

Taste: The entry is crisp and grain-forward, with cracker malt and a gentle bready sweetness across the palate. Mid-palate, a touch of lemon-like brightness emerges alongside the pilsner malt's natural sweetness. The Saaz hops assert themselves toward the back, delivering a moderately bitter, spicy snap that keeps things balanced.

Finish: Clean and dry with bright carbonation that scrubs the palate. A lingering cracker-malt note fades gradually alongside a mild herbal bitterness.

How to Drink The Volkslager

Pour into a pilsner glass or tall flute at 38–42°F to let the carbonation and hop aromatics shine. This is a beer designed to be drunk cold and fresh — no embellishments needed. For a Radler, combine with fresh lemonade for a low-ABV warm-weather refresher that plays off the lager's existing lemon character. In a Michelada, the Volkslager's clean, crisp body serves as an ideal canvas for lime, hot sauce, and Clamato. A classic Shandy with ginger ale highlights the biscuity malt and adds a touch of spice.

Best For

• Stocking the fridge for a backyard cookout or tailgate
• Introducing craft-curious friends to well-made lager
• Pairing with casual weeknight dinners when you want something reliable
• Session drinking on a hot afternoon without palate fatigue

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Volkslager taste like? The Volkslager is a crisp, clean German Pilsner dominated by cracker and bready malt notes, with a moderately bitter, spicy hop finish from Czech Saaz hops. Bright carbonation and a dry close make it highly drinkable.

How does The Volkslager compare to Victory Prima Pils? Both are American-brewed German-style pilsners using noble hops, but The Volkslager is lighter in body and lower in bitterness at 30 IBU compared to Prima Pils's more assertive 44 IBU hop presence. The Volkslager leans toward easy-drinking session territory, while Prima Pils delivers a more hop-forward interpretation of the style.

Is The Volkslager good for beginners? Absolutely — the 4.7% ABV, clean malt profile, and restrained bitterness make it one of the most approachable craft lagers available. It bridges the gap between mass-market lagers and more complex craft styles without intimidating new drinkers.

Where is The Volkslager made? The Volkslager is brewed by Midwest Coast Brewing Company at their brewery on Walnut Street in Chicago's West Town neighborhood on the city's near west side.

What foods pair well with The Volkslager? Grilled bratwurst or hot dogs complement the bready malt and herbal hop notes. A soft pretzel with mustard mirrors the biscuit character. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the lemon brightness. Fish tacos with lime and cilantro match the beer's crisp, dry finish. Mild white cheeses like Havarti won't overpower the delicate grain flavors.

What sizes does The Volkslager come in? The Volkslager is available in a six-pack format, with standard 12-ounce cans being the primary packaging.

Is The Volkslager worth the price? The Volkslager positions as an everyday craft lager — accessible enough for session drinking yet made with quality ingredients like Saaz hops and Vienna malt that distinguish it from macro-produced pilsners. It delivers solid value within the craft six-pack tier.

Why The Volkslager?

In a craft beer market saturated with heavily hopped IPAs and pastry stouts, a well-executed lager stands out by doing less and doing it right. The Volkslager's grain bill of pilsner and Vienna malt paired with single-variety Saaz hopping reflects a disciplined approach to a style that has little room to hide flaws. Midwest Coast Brewing has demonstrated range across European styles — their 2020 GABF Bronze Medal for ESB speaks to genuine proficiency with Old World traditions. The Volkslager delivers exactly what it promises: a clean, sessionable, honestly brewed lager that rewards repeat drinking rather than demanding attention.