Real Ale Brewing Company - Hans’ Pils

Named after the brewery owner’s German Shorthaired Pointer, Hans’ Pils takes its inspiration from the crisp, assertively hopped pilsners of northern Germany. In the glass, look for a pale golden color and a bright, refreshing aroma dominated by classic Tettnang hop character. Floral, spicy, and lightly herbal impressions mingle with clean grain and fresh bread notes from the German malt. With a substantial 50 IBUs, this is considerably hoppier than many pilsners—and even some pale ales—yet the beer remains balanced and highly drinkable. On the palate, the malt provides a clean foundation while the hops remain firmly in the spotlight, delivering a crisp bitterness that persists through the dry, refreshing finish. There’s plenty of hop flavor here, but the beer never loses the precision and drinkability that make a good pilsner so appealing. Real Ale recommends pairing Hans’ Pils with a Reuben or bacon-wrapped shrimp; we’d also reach for it alongside bratwurst, fried fish, or other rich foods that benefit from a crisp, palate-cleansing beer. Prost!

Real Ale Brewing Company got its start in 1996 in the basement of an antique store on the town square in Blanco, a small community tucked into the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio. Founders Phillip and Diane Conner began on a modest scale, hand-bottling their beers in 22-ounce bottles. In 1997, avid homebrewer Brad Farbstein began helping out at the brewery, and the following year he invested his savings to purchase the operation and pursue his own dream of running a craft brewery. As demand increased, Real Ale steadily expanded, eventually outgrowing its original basement location.

In 2007, Real Ale moved into a larger facility just outside Blanco, allowing the brewery to significantly increase production while remaining firmly rooted in its hometown. Through the years, the brewery has maintained a philosophy that minimal processing produces maximum flavor, emphasizing quality ingredients and time-honored brewing techniques. Real Ale’s beers are still brewed in Blanco, and the company continues to distribute its beer exclusively within Texas. Its lineup now encompasses everything from traditional lagers and pale ales to hazy and hop-forward IPAs, along with an extensive collection of specialty beers.