Behemoth Brewing Company - Hopped Up On Pils

Hopped Up On Pils is Behemoth Brewing Company’s modern New Zealand interpretation of the classic pilsner style, combining crisp lager drinkability with the vibrant character of locally favored hops. Rather than leaning heavily into old-world European restraint, this beer embraces the brighter, fruit-forward qualities that have helped define contemporary New Zealand brewing while still maintaining the clean structure expected from a proper pilsner.

Pouring a bright golden color with excellent clarity and a lively cap of white foam, Hopped Up On Pils immediately offers an inviting aromatic profile. Notes of fresh lime zest, orange citrus, passion fruit, and tropical fruit emerge from the glass alongside softer impressions of freshly cut grass, floral hops, and subtle herbal spice. Beneath the expressive hop character sits a clean pilsner malt backbone contributing delicate crackery and lightly bready notes.

On the palate, the beer remains exceptionally crisp and refreshing while still delivering impressive flavor intensity for the style. Bright citrus and tropical fruit hop flavors lead the charge, supported by soft floral bitterness and a touch of grassy herbal character that keeps the beer grounded firmly in pilsner territory. The malt profile stays lean and highly drinkable, providing enough structure to balance the hop expression without weighing the beer down. Carbonation remains lively throughout, helping drive the beer toward a dry, snappy finish that encourages another sip immediately.

What makes Hopped Up On Pils particularly appealing is the way it bridges traditional lager drinkability with modern hop expression. It remains refreshing and approachable like a classic pilsner, yet the New Zealand hop character adds enough vibrancy and aromatic intensity to keep hop lovers fully engaged.

For pairing options, seafood dishes are an obvious choice, particularly fish tacos, grilled shrimp, oysters, or fried calamari. Classic pub fare works beautifully as well, including schnitzel, fried chicken sandwiches, soft pretzels, or crispy fries. Sharp alpine cheeses and lightly spicy dishes also complement the beer’s crisp bitterness and bright citrus character nicely. Cheers!

Founded in Auckland by brewer Andrew Childs, Behemoth Brewing Company has become one of New Zealand’s most recognizable and personality-driven craft breweries. What began as a contract brewing operation quickly evolved into a full-scale brewery known for bold flavors, creative recipes, and eye-catching branding inspired by comic books, monsters, and pop culture. While the brewery embraces a playful identity, the brewing itself is taken very seriously, with Behemoth earning a strong reputation for technically polished beers across a wide range of styles.

Behemoth rose to prominence during the rapid growth of New Zealand’s modern craft beer movement, particularly through its hop-forward releases that showcased the country’s distinctive hop varieties. The brewery has become especially known for expressive IPAs and creatively styled seasonal releases, though their portfolio extends well beyond hops into lagers, stouts, sours, and experimental beers. Their philosophy centers on making flavorful, approachable beers that remain fun and highly drinkable while still appealing to serious craft beer enthusiasts.

Today, Behemoth Brewing continues to expand both within New Zealand and internationally, helping introduce more drinkers to the vibrant character of New Zealand-grown hops and the country’s evolving beer culture. For more information, visit www.behemothbrewing.co.nz.