“It used to be that a brewery worth its chops had to have an IPA,” says BSG Midwest Sales Director Chris German, “now it’s Pils.” 

The 2016 GABF would seem to support this, with record numbers of entries in the pale lager categories.

Malt color – as well as many flavor compounds – are created in the kiln. Lower temperatures and shorter kiln times mean paler malts that let the milder noble hops  typically used for pale lagers have more of a voice in the glass.