• New Preboiled Extract Means a Quick 30 Minute Boil
• New Choice of Optional Liquid or Dry Yeast
Our California Pilsner combines a rich hop character and aroma with the hearty flavor of warmer fermented California-style lager. The hopping schedule in this kit is designed to maximize the aroma and flavor of the hops over the usual clean bitterness. Ferment and age this kit at room temperature for a heartier flavor, or refrigerate for 4 weeks after bottling like a traditional lager for a smoother, more commercial character. Alcohol: 4.0%, IBUs 40.
Includes 7 lbs. of our blended malt extract, Czech Saaz and other hops, and corn sugar for carbonation. Makes 5 gallons with a starting gravity of at least 1.044. Needed yeast not included, order separately above. Ease of Brewing: Beginner
Yeast recommendations:
1. Lalbrew Novalager Dry Lager Yeast for the smoothest flavor with a forgiving temperature range
2. Wyeast 2206 Bavarian Lager Liquid Yeast if you have temperature control and can brew at under 68° F.
Click 
to download the instructions in pdf format.
May 31, 2023 by Brian Meidlinger
Q: if i wanted to make this kit a little stronger what are the op
A: You could add one pound of dry pilsner extract, item N12 or one pound of brewing sugar, item M81.
Jul 30, 2020 by Rob Andrews
Q: Please clarify how long to ferment before bottling. The instructions say 7 days in primary, 7 days in secondary, bottling after 12 days. Should that be 14 days or is it 7 days primary and 12 days secondary?
A: Seven days in the primary, 12 days in the secondary is ideal.
Apr 23, 2017 by Dennis Shelley
Q: What if you are using a 5 gal.keg? Are the directions any different than what is mentioned on your direction sheet? Thanks
A: The directions are the same although use less priming sugar when kegging (this information is included in the instructions). With a keg, you can also force carbonate, so you may not use any priming sugar at all.
Nov 28, 2016 by James Plouffe
Q: What is the Wyeast yeast strain that is used in this beer, California Pilsner ?
A: We use Wyeast 2206 Bavarian Lager in this kit, as blind taste tests here revealed this strain as the most pleasing.
Darkest Pilsner Ever
I wanted to try a beer that was even lighter than the wheat beer I have been brewing. So I thought a pilsner would work. I must say this is the darkest malt I have ever seen. Suspect it will be very different than expected.
William's Responds: Liquid malt extract is never as light as dry malt extract or brewing from grain, which is why all extract kits are either light amber for the light colored kits, or of course dark for the darker beers. This is the nature of malt extract. Also keep in mind that when you put it in a glass, it looks much lighter than when in a large fermenter. For the very lightest beers, we recommend mashing from grain.
Wrong packaging
Have made California Pilsner for years. We enjoyed it. Last time I purchased it noticed it was much darker in color. When finished, totally different, more like an amber, good but not the Pilsner. Have you changed the ingredients?
Yes, our California maker of malt extract discontinued production, and we cannot find a malt extract maker that makes malt extract as light as they did.
California Pilsner
Just bottled today, so I can’t say much. Sure a couple of sneak tastes while bottling, yeah who doesn’t, give a hint, good. As all of your kits I have tried easy to use.
Grand Champion at the Local Fair!
This is a great beer. I served it at my son's Graduation party and it was a hit. It also took Grand Champ at the local fair. Awesome brew!
Very good
Very good beer and it's on the tame side with flavor. My friends that don't like strong beer loved this one.