North East Beer Review

Lakes Brew Co NZ Pilsner is a beer based in Kendal, in the Lake District. I purchased this apart of the gift set (Included the Nz Pilsner, NE Session IPA, West Coast IPA and DDH Pale) I bought which included the schooner glass. When I travel I love to check out local spots and breweries and this was one on my radar. So for this review of this NZ Pilsner, I will cover the history, the pour, the taste and aroma, and finally, my verdict. Cheers

Beautiful beer in a beautiful location

Lakes Brew Co is a craft brewery based in Kendal, in the Lake District. The brewery was founded by Matt Clarke, Michelle Gay, Steve Ricketts and Paul Sheldon. They came to form the Lakes Brew Co due to being made redundant by Hawkshead Brewery.

In 2021, the first brew by the Lakes Brew co was born. This brewed in the Mintsfeet Industrial Estate which is 16hl brew kit alongside their own canning lineup. Sustainability and quality are important to them: they emphasise freshness, consistency, and controlling their production from brewing right through to canning. Their branding is performed by Scratch Creative which utilise the Lake District’s beautiful landscape.

Lakes Brew Co NZ Pilsner is part of the Lakes Brew Co core lineup. This carries an ABV of 4.5% and is dry hopped with New Zealand based hops such as Moteuka and Green Bullet. This beer has won numerous awards such as the SIBA National Silver 2023, SIBA North West Gold 2022 and SIBA National Bronze 2023. This shows that the NZ Pilsner has earned a reputation of balanced crisp flavour and drinkability.

A bright and clear pour

Lakes Brew Co NZ Pilsner presents a clear, bright and golden colour. It formed a small head which was white and foamy in which proceeded to leave a light lacing down the glass. This is what you would expect from a modern take on a craft pilsner. The carbonation was lively with steady streams of bubbles which would rise. A vibrant and exciting pour.

The NZ style shines in this Pilsner

Aroma

Lakes Brew Co NZ Pilsner opens with a citrus aroma which could be thanks to the hop choice of both Motueka and Green Bullet. There is a slight but noticeable tropical edge which is mainly passion fruit and pineapple in flavour. A herbal edge is followed by the textbook pilsner malt backbone which is soft. Overall, a delicious and aromatic lager.

Taste

The taste of the NZ Pilsner mainly follows on from the aroma which includes a citrus and tropical fruity edge. A grassy nature is apparent which is then followed by the pilsner malts which are of a light biscuit or cracker. A crisp and gentle bitterness lingers which adds to the refreshing nature of this beer. Overall, a bright and delicious pilsner which shows the quality of the New Zealand based hops.

Time for my verdict

Overall, I feel that the Lakes Brew Co are a consistent outlet for great craft beer and the NZ Pilsner is not exception. The look of this pilsner is great and exactly what you would expect. The taste and aroma is pronounced and allows the hops to shine which really delivers a crisp and refreshing craft pilsner. Overall, I rate this a solid 4 out of 5. Cheers

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this directly from the Lakes Brew Co website and collected it from the brewery itself. Top notch customer service and so far they have themselves a new fan.

Thank you for reading my review. If you enjoyed this beer review you will love my review of Lakes Brew Co Ne Session IPA.