Much as I may still suspiciously view the West Coast Pilsner style as the former (and I thought far more indicatively named) IPL style re-entering the market with a fake moustache and glasses, it does seem to be sticking around, and more importantly, producing good beers.
This latest number from Mt Eden’s Brothers Beer, Limey B*stard, as the name might suggest, is all about the limes. Motueka and Wai-iti are further juiced with Motueka Hop Kief (essentially a lupulin concentrate produced by Freestyle Hops) and dried Syrian limes, making this, to my knowledge, the first taste of Syria I’ve ever had contact with…
Lime zest is certainly first out on the aroma, with more mixed citrus, passionfruit and a hint of tinned fruit salad. The palate is crisp and taught, with a big grainy crunch that (this time) really earns the pilsner name. The fruit addition shines throughout, but particularly as the compact and moderately bitter finish recedes. Perfectly balanced between concentrated flavours and easy drinking at 6%abv, a fresh pint of this one would disappear in no time at all. My only complaint is that I’m drinking this in my freezing office and not on a hot summer day. Get that re-brew scheduled Brothers!