The Origins of Pivo Pils

When Firestone Walker launched Pivo Pils, the goal was simple: bring a world-class German-style pilsner to the American craft beer scene. What started as a passion project for Brewmaster Matt Brynildson quickly became one of the most celebrated pilsner beers in the U.S. — crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.

When Brewmaster Matt Brynildson first unveiled Pivo in 2013, he observed, “Lighter beer styles like pilsner have been hijacked by industrial lager beer in the United States, and it’s time for craft brewers to take it back. Pivo is our contribution to the cause.” Now, many years later — and judging by the pilsner love that’s so abundant — you could say that this mission is well on its way to being accomplished.

Why Pivo Pils Stands Out

Pivo helped redefine what a craft pilsner could be. Brewed with classic German hops and Matt’s relentless attention to detail, it’s a beer that delivers floral aromatics, spicy hop character, and a clean, refreshing finish. Easy to drink yet full of nuance, Pivo has earned its reputation as a go-to pilsner for brewers and beer drinkers alike.

Pivo blends the bright refined dryness of the German pilsner model along with an aromatic twist courtesy of dry hopping. “The original inspiration for this beer comes from Italy — a dry-hopped pilsner called Tipopils made by Agostino Arioli at Birrificio Italiano,” Matt said. “Experiencing the beer was the ‘aha’ moment that set the idea of Pivo into motion.” As it turns out, Pivo helped drive recognition for this “Italian Pils” style, which has since gained a widespread following.

Long Live Pilsner

For those who are wondering, pilsner is a subset of the lager style. In contrast to ales, lagers are “bottom fermented” at colder temperatures over a longer period. Pilsners can be roughly summed up as a hoppier, spicier lager.

At the time that Pivo was released, American craft pilsners were still an outlier, although Victory, Trumer (Berkeley), and others had certainly made their mark on the style. Pivo was immediately met with widespread acclaim among the beer cognoscenti, and most notably, among the brewing community.

“A well-made pilsner earns respect, because pilsner is one of the most difficult beers to perfect,” Matt said. “It’s light on the palate, yet it incorporates so much. Any off flavor just comes screaming out. It’s this naked beer that doesn’t hide flaws.”

Pivo itself is impeccably balanced, showing floral aromatics, spicy herbal nuances, and lemongrass notes from German Saphir hops.

Get your taste of Pivo today. Six-packs are available at our three California locations and in select Firestone Walker markets. Use our Beer Finder to locate it near you.

Long live craft pilsner, and long live Pivo!