Toppling Goliath Brewing Announces Joy Top Pilsner — A New 16.9‑oz Bottled Lager Coming Out of Decorah, Iowa

Today I’m excited to bring you news of a brand‑new bottled lager release from Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. in Decorah, Iowa, a brewery that continues to dominate the craft beer landscape with innovative lagers, bold IPAs, and high‑profile specialty releases. Their latest creation, Joy Top Pilsner, is shaping up to be a standout addition to their 2026 lineup, delivering classic pilsner drinkability with Toppling Goliath’s signature precision and flavor clarity.

A Crisp, Sessionable 5.5% ABV Pilsner Built for Everyday Enjoyment

Joy Top Pilsner will clock in at a sessionable 5.5% ABV, making it an ideal everyday lager for warm‑weather drinking, backyard gatherings, brewery visits, and fans who appreciate clean, refreshing, well‑crafted pilsners. Toppling Goliath has built its reputation on high‑quality brewing, and this new lager continues that tradition with a focus on balance, crispness, and bright, easy‑drinking character. Expect a classic pilsner profile, smooth malt backbone, subtle hop bite, and a clean finish that invites another sip.

Packaged in 16.9‑oz Bottles — A Premium Lager Format

One of the most exciting details for collectors and lager fans is the packaging: Joy Top Pilsner will be released in 16.9‑oz bottles. This format, often associated with European lagers and premium craft releases, gives the beer a distinctive presence on shelves and offers drinkers a slightly larger pour than the standard 12‑oz bottle. Toppling Goliath has used this format selectively, and its return here signals a premium, elevated lager experience.

A New Lager Release from One of America’s Most Respected Breweries

Toppling Goliath Brewing continues to expand its lager program, and Joy Top Pilsner represents another step in that evolution. Known for world‑class beers like King Sue, Pseudo Sue, and their celebrated barrel‑aged stouts, the brewery has increasingly showcased its ability to produce clean, technically precise lagers that appeal to both craft beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Joy Top Pilsner fits squarely into that growing portfolio, approachable, flavorful, and brewed with the same attention to detail that defines the Toppling Goliath brand.

Stay Tuned for Release Details and Tasting Notes

As always, stay tuned for full release details, distribution updates, and tasting notes as Toppling Goliath prepares to roll out Joy Top Pilsner. With its 5.5% ABV profile, premium 16.9‑oz bottle format, and classic pilsner character, this new lager is poised to become a fan favorite in the 2026 craft beer landscape.

About Toppling Goliath Brewing:

Clark and Barbara Lewey founded Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in 2009 in beautiful Decorah, Iowa after a runaway success in home brewing. In less than a decade, Toppling Goliath has become world-renowned for IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. We now distribute in 30 states and create more than 40 beers that rotate throughout the year.

Named 2021 US Beer Open Grand National Champions Toppling Goliath has been recognized for the quality of its beer by countless festivals and craft beer groups, and has been named the #2 brewery in the world by Beer Advocate. Our barrel-aged stout, Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout, has held the title of #1 beer in the world since 2015.
Toppling Goliath is proud to support not only the craft beer community but the communities that have helped us grow over the years.

Toppling Goliath offers its team members competitive pay, great benefits, and free beer! If you are interested in joining our ever-growing team, check out our job listings.

What’s on tap?
Beer, silly! To find out exactly which brews are on tap in real time, check our Tap List. We also serve cocktails and NA drinks.

Do you sell to-go beer out of the taproom?
Do we ever! We sell bottles, cans, growlers, and kegs at our taproom. Please check our To-Go Beer page to see what is available each week. You may also call our taproom at (563) 387-6700 to find out what is available that day.

Do you fill non-TG growlers?
Yes! We will fill any growler: your growler, your mom’s, your uncle’s, heck, even your third cousin twice removed. The only thing we require is that a government warning is on the growler. If your growler does not have one, ask one of our bartenders, and we can provide you with a decal of a government warning for your growler.

Do you allow outside bottle shares in the taproom?
We generally do not allow outside beer or bottle shares in our taproom. If you’d like to request a notable exception, call the taproom at (563) 387-6700 for prior approval.

Can I purchase beers over the phone or online?
We cannot ship beer. You can buy beer online for pick-up in our taproom.

Do you have brewery tours?
Yes! You can purchase a ticket HERE every Saturday at 3 pm

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company is a craft brewery founded in 2009 by Clark and Barbara Lewey in Decorah, Iowa. It has achieved global recognition for its exceptional IPAs and barrel-aged stouts within a decade of its inception. 

Key aspects

Recognition and Awards: Toppling Goliath has received significant recognition and awards for its products, including being named the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Open Grand National Champions and receiving several medals at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Brewing Philosophy: Toppling Goliath emphasizes crafting high-quality products in small batches, despite facing demand that often outpaces supply. They initially operated on a small nano-system and have expanded their facilities to accommodate the growing demand.

Expansion and Distribution: Toppling Goliath has expanded its distribution and produces a variety of products annually. They’ve also established partnerships to increase production and reach a wider market, such as a collaboration with Brew Hub in Florida.

Community Involvement: Toppling Goliath actively participates in its community, partnering with organizations like BREWS for BLiNDNESS to raise funds and awareness for causes like age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Membership Program: Toppling Goliath offers a membership program that provides exclusive benefits, including access to special releases. 
In essence, Toppling Goliath Brewing Company is a highly successful craft brewery with a strong commitment to quality and community engagement, solidifying its reputation as a leading player in the craft beer scene.

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