Astoria, Oregon – In a bold move that underscores the fundamental importance of its primary ingredient, Fort George Brewery in Astoria, Oregon, has launched a new year-round Pilsner, placing its local water supply front and center. This innovative strategy leverages the unique characteristics of water from the Bear Creek Watershed, not just as a brewing component, but as a pivotal marketing asset, forging a deep connection between the new Pilsner and the historical origins of the classic beer style. This news signals a thoughtful evolution in how craft beer producers define authenticity and flavor.
The Unsung Ingredient: Water’s Pivotal Role in Brewing
While hops, malt, and yeast often command the spotlight, water constitutes a staggering 90 to 96 percent of any beer, profoundly influencing its flavor, mouthfeel, and fermentation process. Historically, the distinct mineral profiles of local water sources dictated the emergence of regional beer styles across the globe. For instance, the exceptionally soft water of Plzeň (Pilsen) in the Czech Republic was instrumental in shaping the crisp, delicate character of the original Pilsner. Conversely, the hard, alkaline water of Dublin, Ireland, proved ideal for brewing dark, roasted stouts.
Fort George Brewery draws a direct parallel to this historical precedent. The brewery asserts that Astoria’s water is naturally soft, neutral, and balanced—a profile strikingly similar to that which inspired the initial brewers of Pilsner centuries ago. This regional advantage, stemming from the pristine Bear Creek Watershed, is now being celebrated as a cornerstone of Fort George’s latest offering.
Astoria’s Liquid Gold: The Bear Creek Watershed
The Bear Creek Watershed, a 3,700-acre protected forest, has served as Astoria’s single-source drinking water supply since 1936, providing slow-sand filtered water of exceptional quality. Located at the confluence of numerous rivers and streams, nestled under a blanket of temperate weather and surrounded by lush forests, Astoria’s environment remarkably mirrors the verdant, rain-drenched hillsides of Pilsen. This geographical synergy provides Fort George with a compelling narrative for its water-first approach, claiming their beer “starts and ends with Astoria water.”
Crafting a Classic: Fort George’s Pilsner Journey
Fort George Brewery, a significant force in the Oregon craft beer scene and the 6th largest craft brewery in the state by taxable barrels, has been brewing Pilsners in various forms since its inception in 2007. However, recent expansions into a spacious waterfront production facility have provided the brewery with the necessary space and time to fully commit to the long, slow, and cool fermentation process critical for producing a truly authentic Pilsner. After extensive trials and test batches utilizing Noble hops and Pilsner malt, the brewery arrived at a brew so refined they simply named it “Pilsner.”
This new, year-round packaged Pilsner is not merely another addition to their diverse portfolio; it’s a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and ingredient provenance. The messaging around the beer consistently emphasizes the water, distinguishing it in a market often dominated by discussions of hops and malts.
Beyond the Glass: Sustainability and Community Impact
Fort George’s commitment to its water source extends beyond flavor. The brewery actively participates in sustainable practices, reflecting a broader responsibility to the environment that provides their most vital ingredient. One percent of all proceeds from their 12-ounce cans, including the new Pilsner, are donated to local, environmentally-focused nonprofits through the “1% for the Planet” initiative.
Furthermore, the brewery has invested significantly in its own wastewater treatment systems at its waterfront facility, including BioGill Ultra BioReactors, which reduce process wastewater strength by over 90 percent before it enters the city’s sewer system. They also divert spent grain to local dairy farms for animal feed, reducing both farm operational costs and the brewery’s water treatment needs. These efforts mitigate the strain on Astoria’s aging municipal wastewater infrastructure, demonstrating a holistic approach to water stewardship within the oregon community.
A New Chapter for Oregon Beer
The introduction of Fort George’s Pilsner arrives amidst a growing resurgence of lagers in the craft beer world, with many industry observers proclaiming Pilsner as the “new IPA.” By championing its local water supply, Fort George isn’t just releasing a new beer; it’s championing a new narrative for what defines quality and authenticity in the craft brewing industry. This move reinforces the idea that the soul of a beer can be inextricably linked to the purity and character of its most abundant ingredient, offering a crisp, clean, and adventurous taste of Astoria itself.
