The past couple of years have seen more brewers add a lager – or lager-like "draught" – to their lineup, sometimes as a means of appeasing visitors after something unchallenging and familiar, on occasion with an eye on broadening their appeal outside the crafty bubble. For summer 2021/22, Van Dieman have joined the gang, although it's fair to say Freycinet Pilsner is a far cry from the Mexican cerveza and Tooheys-mimickers on the market.
The biggest sidestep comes early on: primary fermentation took place in oak barrels, a move that appears to have added even more creamy softness to that brewers can elicit in such beers brewed with traditional pilsner malts and long lagering times. Hazily golden with a fluffy white head to visually prepare your for its pillowy texture. Aromas of a floral, straw like nature welcome the drinker in, while there's a hint of grassiness to the gentle bitterness woven through those familiar pilsner malt characters. You can see these disappearing in a hurry over summer, which presumably is the plan.
Sign up to our newsletters and get the latest craft beer news delivered free to your inbox. Choose from our Friday Roundup of the week, the quick-read, social feed-like Crafty Cuppa – or both!
