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How to Brew Pale Kellerbier: Unfiltered Universe of Rustic German Brews

BySteve Thanos

Style Profile for Pale Kellerbier

Appearance

Color is a hazy pale yellow to light gold. The clarity will depend on the beer’s age. I can be either slightly cloudy to clear. Haziness should not be murky.

If your beer is served out of a cask, there will be very little carbonation and therefore not much head. Otherwise, you can fully expect a small off-white creamy head with good retention

Aroma

Malt aroma will consist of sweet-cereal character, with slight notes of DMS and diacetyl. The hop profile is spicy, herbal, or floral notes.

Mouthfeel

Low to medium carbonation, depends if the beer is served out of a cask. It will have a medium body. Yeast that is left in suspension will create a creamy mouthfeel while diacetyl will be detected as a slickness across the tongue.

Taste

Malt taste is grainy and sweet. Moderate hop bitterness comes into play after a spicy, floral, and/or herbal hop flavor.

Although diacetyl and DMS may be present, these qualities should be moderately low as to not overwhelm the beer.

Food Pairing

A good Pale Kellerbier can pair well with chicken. It will also pair well with spicy dishes like Mexican or Indian dishes. Gruyere or sharp cheddar as also nice cheeses that pair well here.

Creating Your Own Pale Kellerbier Recipe

Grain Bill

For a traditional Pale Kellerbier recipe, you should really start with high quality German Pilsner malt. Honestly, you can stop there and begin crushing your grains. However, using a little Carafoam will enhance the body of your beer.

Hop Schedule

Pale Kellerbier has a much more subdued hop presence than the Amber Kellerbier. Traditional spicy aromatic German hops should be considered here.

These hops include Saaz, Tettnanger, Hallertauer, Hersbrucker, and Spalt. A bittering hop and possibly a late addition, light-handed at that, is all the hops that are required for this beer,

Yeast

When considering what yeast to use, any German Lager yeast or Märzen yeast will do the trick. More yeast to consider include:

Wyeast

  • Bavarian Lager (2206)
  • Munich Lager (2308)
  • Octoberfest Lager Blend (2633)

White Labs 

  • Southern German Lager (WLP838)
  • Munich Helles (WLP860)
  • Old Bavarian Lager (WLP920)

Dry yeast

  • Fermentis Saflager W-34/70
  • Saflager S-23
  • Mangrove Jack’s Bohemian Lager (M84)

The Mash

Like most German pale colored beers, traditional brewers will include a step mash with this beer. This will enhance the mouthfeel which will produce a smoother rounder feel. Here are the details for a step mash:

  • Mash at 122°F for a protein rest, keep the mash as thick as possible. Remain at this temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  • Add hot water to raise temperature to 148°F for a beta saccharification. This will thin out the mash allowing enzymes to work better. Allow 15 minutes for this step.
  • Add hot water or direct heat (depending on mash thickness), bring the temperature up to 153°F -156°F. Hold for another 15 minutes before mashing out at 170°F. Keep your mash temperature at 170°F while you sparge.

Pale Kellerbier Characteristics

  • Color Range: 3 – 7 SRM
  • Original Gravity: 1.045 – 1.051 OG
  • Final Gravity: 1.008 – 1.012 FG
  • IBU Range: 20 – 35
  • ABV Range: 4.7 – 5.4%

Pale Kellerbier Recipe

Grain

  • 95% 9 lbs Pilsner; German
  • 5% 8.0 oz Carafoam

Hops

  • 1.00 oz Perle Pellets – Boil 60.0 min
  • 0.50 oz Hallertauer Pellets – Boil 15.0 min

Yeast

1.0 pkg Octoberfest/Marzen Lager (White Labs #WLP820)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Pale Kellerbier Differ from a Regular Kellerbier?

The Pale Kellerbier is a variation of the traditional Kellerbier, which is normally amber in color. The pale version is lighter in color due to the different malts used in the brewing process.

This Pale Kellerbier recipe showcases how a lighter malt choice leads to a pale appearance while maintaining the signature cloudy, unfiltered characteristic of a Kellerbier.

What Makes the Fast Pitch Canned Wort a Good Choice for this Kellerbier Recipe?

Fast Pitch Canned Wort is a convenient option as it saves time and ensures consistency in the brewing process.

This pre-prepared wort eliminates the initial steps of mashing and boiling, allowing the brewer to jump straight to the fermentation stage which is crucial in achieving the desired Kellerbier taste and texture.

How Does the Pale Kellerbier Taste Compare to Other Varieties Like Zwickelbier?

Pale Kellerbier, Zwickelbier, and traditional Kellerbier all belong to the same family of German unfiltered lagers. However, while they share the unfiltered trait, their taste profiles can vary.

The Pale Kellerbier has a lighter, more refreshing taste due to its pale malts, compared to the fuller-bodied taste of Zwickelbier and the malty, slightly bitter taste of a traditional Kellerbier.

What is the Significance of the Kellerbier BJCP Guidelines in this Recipe?

The Kellerbier BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) guidelines provide a framework for what a Kellerbier should be in terms of appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.

Adhering to these guidelines in the pale Kellerbier recipe ensures an authentic brewing experience and results in a beer that is true to its German roots.

How Does the Pale Original Recipe Differ from Other Kellerbier Recept (Recipes)?

The Pale Original Recipe for Kellerbier is a unique take on the traditional Kellerbier recept (recipes). This version explores a lighter color and flavor profile while maintaining the authentic, unfiltered and naturally carbonated essence of a traditional Kellerbier.

It’s a delightful variation for those looking to explore a different facet of the rich Kellerbier brewing tradition.

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