Sierra Nevada Releases PILS in ‘Proper Pilsner Cans,’ Expands to Nationwide Draft Availability

I brought you an early peek at this beer back in January 2025, and now this release update from Sierra Nevada in Chico, California & Mills River, North Carolina:

CHICO, Calif. & MILLS RIVER, N.C., Sept. 30, 2025  Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has released its European-inspired PILS in an all-new can format – an 8-pack of 8.4-ounce cans (MSRP $12.99) dubbed ‘proper pilsner cans.’ The size is rooted in the European tradition of a premium pilsner drinking experience, where it is common to serve pilsner beers as a small pour to maintain ideal temperature and flavor from first sip to last.

Printed on each can is a quote from Brian Grossman, Chief Brewer and second-generation brewery owner at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. that further explains the intentionality and inspiration behind the can size:
“I’ve enjoyed beers all over the world, but there’s something special about a proper pilsner at a European pub. Crisp, refreshing, and served in a smaller glass to keep it at the ideal temperature and flavor— it’s how PILS is meant to be enjoyed.”

The new 8.4-ounce cans have recently been launched in select markets with plans for a nationwide ‘proper pilsner can’ roll-out in early 2026. Additionally, distribution of draft PILS has expanded nationally as of August.
PILS launched successfully in draft-only format in select markets in April. The premium pilsner has nuanced refinement and is well balanced with bright citrusy, floral flavors and aromas and a touch of sweet malt character to round out each sip. It is 4.7% ABV, 25 IBU and pours a crystal clear golden straw color in the glass. The beer is approachable and versatile, an ideal option for premium food pairing, and the 8-pack is prime for sharing at dinner parties and gatherings.

“We are dedicated and meticulous brewers that are committed to producing top-tier beers that stand on their own,” said Grossman. “At Sierra Nevada, we believe the details matter and that’s why we’ve worked so hard to deliver an optimal drinking experience in each can of PILS.” 

For more information, please visit: https://sierranevada.com/pils

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About Sierra Nevada Brewing:

Our founder, Ken Grossman, made a habit of chasing curiosity. His early years of backyard tinkering and covert science projects set the stage for the ultimate discovery: homebrewing.
 
Fascinated by the alchemy of fermentation, Ken opened The Home Brew Shop in Chico, slowly playing with more hop-forward flavors at a time when American beer wasn’t known for taking chances.  

When he finally started a brewery, Ken scoured salvage yards and defunct dairies to find the tanks, pipes, and valves he needed to hand-build Sierra Nevada’s original brewhouse.
 
On November 15, 1980, he put his first batch of craft beer to the test. That heady stout was a 13-hour labor of love, and after one sip, he knew he had a keeper. The Pale Ale that followed sparked a true craft beer revolution. The adventure’s never stopped, and our curiosity’s still brewing.

We brew and do business like the planet’s future depends on it. We’re committed to operating sustainably, from slashing our environmental impact and producing alternative energy to farming onsite with regenerative agriculture.

Visit
Mills River, NC100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC 287321 (828) 681-5300
Chico, CA1075 East 20th Street, Chico, CA 959281 (530) 893-3520

Inspired by frequent trips to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980 and it remains family-owned and operated. Highly regarded for using only the finest quality ingredients, Sierra Nevada has set the standard for craft brewers worldwide with innovations in the brewhouse and in its sustainability efforts. The pioneering spirit that launched Sierra Nevada now spans both coasts with breweries in Chico, California and Mills River, North Carolina. Sierra Nevada is famous for its extensive line of beers including Pale Ale, Hazy Little Thing®, Torpedo® and a host of seasonal, specialty and limited release beers. Learn more at www.sierranevada.com.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a craft brewery in Chico, California that was founded in 1980 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi. It’s the longest-running craft startup in the United States.

Features
Known for: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which is the best-selling craft beer in the country
Other beers: Bigfoot, Celebration Ale, and Resilience Butte County Proud IPA
Brewing techniques: Uses premium ingredients and time-honored brewing techniques
Environmental initiatives: Pioneering new environmental initiatives


History
The original brewhouse was hand-built by Grossman
Grossman found tanks, pipes, and valves for the brewery at salvage yards and defunct dairies.

The name comes from Grossman’s love of hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a highly influential and popular craft brewery in the United States, founded in 1979 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi. They are known for their quality, integrity, and commitment to sustainability. Sierra Nevada is a family business, with Ken Grossman still involved in the brewery’s operations. They have a flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which is a top-selling craft brand.

Founding and Early Years:

Sierra Nevada started as a homebrewing passion for Ken Grossman, who eventually opened a homebrew shop and then founded the brewery. He hand-built his first brewhouse, utilizing salvaged equipment.

Growth and Expansion:The brewery grew rapidly, expanding its production and opening a second location in Mills River, North Carolina in 2014.


Focus on Quality and Sustainability:

Sierra Nevada emphasizes quality in its brewing process, using premium ingredients and time-honored techniques. They are also known for their commitment to sustainability, having earned the “Green Business of the Year” award from the EPA.

Key Products: Besides their flagship Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada produces a wide range of beers, including Torpedo Extra IPA, Kellerweis, and various seasonal and limited-release brews.

Impact and Influence:Sierra Nevada is considered one of the earliest and most influential American craft breweries, playing a significant role in the craft beer movement.

Community and Philanthropy:Sierra Nevada is involved in community outreach and has partnerships with organizations like the National Park Foundation.

Visit and Experience:Sierra Nevada has a taproom and restaurant in Chico, California, where visitors can sample their beers and enjoy farm-to-table fare. They also have a live music venue and offer brewery tours.
About Yakima Chief Hops:
Discover Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), a grower-owned network of family farms and leader in the hop industry committed to sustainability and innovation. Learn about our mission to connect family hop farms with the world’s finest brewers and provide the highest quality hop products.

As a 100% grower-owned network of family hop farms, Yakima Chief Hops is uniquely positioned to establish strong relationships between the growers who supply our quality hops and the brewing customers who utilize our products in their beers.

Operating for more than 30 years, we have become more than a hop supplier. We are a resource for brewers, providing solutions-based products and industry leading research. We are advocates of sustainability and meaningful social causes, working to support the environment and communities around us. Through our commitment to continuous improvement, we aim to be leaders of innovation, quality and customer service.

Mission
Our Mission is to connect family hop farms with the world’s finest brewers, providing the highest quality hop products and uncompromising service for the ultimate benefit of our customers, employees and growers.

Vision
Our Vision is to be the global hop supplier of choice. We want our passion for preserving the planet, treating people with respect and dignity, and our commitment to healthy communities to be reflected in every beer brewed with our hops.
About Carpenter Ranches:

Since 1868, the Carpenter family has been an integral component of the Yakima Valley hop industry. Their legacy began when Charles Carpenter departed from his hop-growing family in New York, moved across the country and settled in the Yakima Valley, establishing the first hop farm in the Ahtanum area. Six generations later, Carpenter Ranches continues to be a family owned operation focusing on tradition and innovation. They are excited about the many new hop brands being developed by Yakima Chief Ranches and the Hop Breeding Company.