Beer Styles

What is an Export, and how does it differ from a Pilsner? Forst Kronen is described as an Export Lager, with roughly 5.2 percent alcohol, a golden color, a full malt character, and restrained hopping. An Export is brewed a bit stronger than a Helles and is less sharply hopped than a Pilsner.

The Pilsner is the drier, more bitter neighbor. Forst V.I.P. Pils represents this style in South Tyrol: leaner in body, with pronounced hop bitterness lingering on the finish. Comparing the two side by side, the Export comes across rounder and sweeter, the Pils clearer and more bitter.

In between sits the Helles. Forst Premium is described as pale, balanced in hops, and malty on the nose, with 4.8 percent alcohol. It strikes the middle path and serves as the all-rounder at the table.

Things get darker and stronger with Forst Sixtus. At 6.5 percent alcohol with its double malt, it's the counterpart to the pale varieties: roasted, spicy, tasting of caramel. Forst also lists a Heller Bock in its range, a beer for the colder months with more body than the everyday varieties.

Standing apart is the Vienna Lager from Batzen Bräu. Amber color and a malt character of toast and bread crust define this style, which originated in Vienna. It's less bitter than a Pilsner and less sweet than a Bock. The Vienna lager is considered the ancestor of many amber-colored lagers, and its malt character makes it a fine companion to roasted meat and crusty bread.