Commercial Examples
Capital Supper Club, Coors Batch 19, Little Harpeth Chicken Scratch, Schell Deer Brand, Urban Chestnut Forest Park Pilsner.
Black Flannel Academy
Pre-Prohibition Lager
bottom-fermented
Visual reference: Budweiser served in a glass. Not a confirmed example of Pre-Prohibition Lager. Photo: Amin / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0. Display crops and resized versions are available under the same license.
A bitter and hoppy pale American adjunct lager, often with a robust, corny flavor profile, although more crisp and neutral-tasting versions exist.
Color
3 – 6 SRM
Bitterness
25 – 40 IBU
Alcohol
4.5 – 6.0% ABV
Sweetness
Substantial hop bitterness stands up to the malt and lingers through the dry, soft to crisp finish.
Balance
Substantial hop bitterness stands up to the malt and lingers through the dry, soft to crisp finish.
History
Historical Development
An adaptation of continental lagers by immigrant German brewers in the mid-1800s in the US. Became most popular by the 1870s, but weakened in strength, bitterness, and popularity after Prohibition, and was largely replaced by Standard American Lager. Resurrected by homebrewers in the mid-1990s.
Modern Evolution
Classic characteristics
Appearance
Yellow to deep gold color. Substantial, long lasting white head. Bright clarity.
Aroma
Medium grain character with optional corn sweetness. The hop profile features medium to moderately-high rustic, floral, herbal, or spicy notes from traditional varieties. Clean fermentation with permissible low DMS presence.
Flavor
Grain-forward with optional corn roundness. Substantial hop bitterness stands up to the malt and lingers through the dry, soft to crisp finish. Moderate to high rustic, floral, herbal, or spicy hop character without harsh aftertaste.
Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-full body with a moderately rich and creamy mouthfeel. Smooth and well-lagered. Medium to high carbonation levels.
Flavor Profile Deep Dive
Service notes
BJCP designation
Overall Impression: A bitter and hoppy pale American adjunct lager, often with a robust, corny flavor profile, although more crisp and neutral-tasting versions exist.
Comments: Sometimes called Classic American Pilsner. Rice-based versions have a crisper, more neutral character, and lack corn-like flavors.
Style Comparison: Shares balance and bitterness with modern Czech Premium Pale Lager but reflects pre-Prohibition American grain and hop traditions. More robust, bitter, and flavorful than contemporary pale American lagers, with elevated alcohol content.
Vital Statistics: OG: 1.044 – 1.060 | FG: 1.010 – 1.015 | IBUs: 25 – 40 | SRM: 3 – 6 | ABV: 4.5 – 6.0%
Source: BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines, bjcp.org, retrieved 2026-09-13. Vital statistics are as published; descriptive text is condensed from the published guideline.
Brewers Association designation
Style comparison
Ingredients
Grain Bill
Six-row barley. Corn or rice adjuncts, up to 30%. Traditional American or Continental hops. Modern American hops are inappropriate. Lager yeast.
Brewing process
Food pairings
Spirit pairings
The soundtrack
Keep exploring
- BJCP Guidelines: 27F (Pre-Prohibition Lager)
- Beer Judge Certification Program: BJCP Official Guidelines