Here’s something new for The Guest Ale, we’re looking at lager! I often rib lagers. The ‘lagers’ I’m referring to of course are the generic, homogenous crap that multinationals foist on an undiscerning public, but I do love the clean, crisp taste of a good German or Czech Pilsner.
The difference between ale and lager comes from the fermentation process. Ales are made with yeast strains that ferment at the top of the wort and the flavours the beer with chemicals called esters. Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeasts, which don’t tend to add much in the way of flavour.
Calvors is a Suffolk-based based brewery which specialises in crafting English lager. It was kind enough to send me a selection and first up is its most recognised brand, the Calvors Premium.
For me, this light pale lager’s nose is a little like peanut with exotic fruits, lemon, even a hint of garlic. It’s like nothing I’ve tasted before. It’s clean, it’s crisp, it’s got a fruity Pilsneresque feel to it. It’s available in Waitrose.
The essentials:
ABV: 5%
Colour: Pale straw
Nose: Husky like peanut
Taste: Clean, crisp and well-rounded
Our verdict: A wonderfully balanced lager. Give it a spin!
Website: http://www.calvors.co.uk/lager/premium-lager.php
