If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Unless you’re a perfectionistic brewer who thinks: “I can do even better.”
Milton Lager replaces Cupitt’s Milton Pilsner, which is no small deal, since that was their best-selling beer. But head brewer Liam Jackson wondered if he could make a lager that was an even better fit for the brewery’s regular lineup.
Since the Milton Pilsner was toned down in bitterness (compared to a traditional version) to ensure it suited those looking for an approachable lager, Liam decided to switch over to a less bitter traditional style: a helles. For him, the new Milton Lager ticks all the boxes – classic European style made with great ingredients, wide appeal, still flavoursome – and allows him to nerd out and brew a “proper” pilsner as a limited release at some point.
And I’ve gotta say, this beer ticks the boxes for me as well. It’s clear as the Ulladulla sky on a crisp winter’s day, with a silky mouthfeel that reminds me of sliding between satin bedsheets. There’s a lovely malt sweetness that’s bready, and somehow almost lemonadey in character. It serves up all the delight that Sprite used to represent when I was a kid, but without the sticky sweetness. It’s Sprite grown up.
Mick Wüst
Published July 17, 2024 2024-07-17 00:00:00
