Margaret River Brewhouse’s 2021 Backyard Brewing Tournament delivered drinkers a German pilsner that's a real lesson in restraint from local homebrewer James Kossen. Without compromising on flavour, Nico Brau is a product of a simple grist and hop schedule that combine to yield a light, clean and uber-drinkable lager.
Pouring bright with a tight white head and yellow hue, faint bready aromatics lead from the glass along with subtle noble hop character and a touch of citrus. On sipping, a gentle malt sweetness is prominent but well placed among restrained hop bitterness, grassiness and crisp biscuity notes. The finish is clean, with only delicate lacing left behind.
Given just about anything could have dominated Margaret River Brewhouse’s annual homebrewing competition in the current brewing climate, seeing a classic, simple and well-executed style take the cake is a refreshing outcome, in more ways than one.
Jono Outred
Published November 29, 2021 2021-11-29 00:00:00
