With the evolution of modern West Coast IPAs, the malt bill has kept getting lighter while maintaining the strong hop character and crisp dry finish the style was originally known for. One of the lightest and crispest styles of beer is a light lager, so adding a ton of hops to it to make it a West Coast-style Pilsner was just the logical next step of this evolution.
It all must start with a clean lager base. We kept it simple by using our premium pilsner malt and adding just a little bit of flaked corn. The corn lightens the body up even more while giving it a bit of an American style lager mouthfeel. Conditioned for over 2 months in tanks to ensure a crisp clean finish, on top of this clean lager we were able to play with a blend of newer hops to us that we have been looking forward to using together. First up, Audacia was added in the boil, bringing some lingonberry and black current flavours with a familiar noble hop-like character to the lager. Next was a whirlpool charge of Lorien, adding a layer of tangy, lemon and lime-like aroma to the beer. In the dry hop, we added some heavy hitters including Luminosa, a standout favourite hop from Indie hops that adds some candied fruit and peach lemonade aroma. This was paired with some Citra, adding its familiar but well loved tropical citrus character. This beer picked up a slightly resinous character that really ties the lighter delicate flavours together nicely. While it is very hoppy, it doesn’t take away from the lager-like drinkability of this beer. Another beer crafted with these hot and sticky Kyoto summers in mind!