Pier Pressure - A Tale of Two Styles.

We’ve externally lab tested our latest batch of Pier Pressure and discovered that it is naturally Gluten Free as well as Vegan!

This recent discovery has prompted us to delve a little deeper into the history of beer with another blog post so we can debunk some of the common misconceptions of lager classifications...

Pier Pressure has always ruffled some feathers due to it’s classification, and rightly so – we’d expect no less from the no.1 rated beer in its category in the UK on Untappd!

 But what makes a lager a lager? And if we’re not a lager, then what are we?... (existential crisis pending)

We categorise our beer as a ‘Pseudo Pilsner’, that’s because we designed it to exhibit all the key taste components of a German Pilsner, but we ferment it with an ale yeast and at warmer than average temperatures technically making it not a lager at all.. but rather a Kolsch.

We’ve put together a brief breakdown of what’s what when it comes to lager brewing, and we’ve included a 20% discount code for our store at the bottom of the email for anyone that makes it to the end!

Lager vs. Kölsch: A Tale of Two Styles

In the diverse world of craft brewing, understanding the nuances between different beer styles can enhance your appreciation and enjoyment. Today, let's delve into the differences between two beloved styles: Lager and Kölsch.

The Classic Lager

Lagers are one of the most popular beer styles worldwide, named a ‘lager' after the German word ‘store’, and known for their clean, crisp, and refreshing qualities. Originating from Central Europe, lagers are brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, which helps produce a clean and smooth beer with a balanced flavour profile. There are many sub-styles of lagers, from light and easy-drinking pale lagers to rich and malty dark lagers. 'lagering' is the process of storing lager cold for a number of weeks/months, which aids the beer in developing it's signature refreshing crispness.

The Unique Kölsch

Kölsch, on the other hand, is a specialty beer from Cologne, Germany. It's a hybrid style, meaning it blends characteristics of both ales and lagers. Brewed with top-fermenting ale yeast but then conditioned at cooler lager-like temperatures, Kölsch offers a unique balance. It has the fruitiness and complexity of an ale, coupled with the crisp, clean finish of a lager.

Flavour Profiles: Subtle Differences

While both lagers and Kölsch beers are known for their refreshing qualities, their flavour profiles have subtle distinctions. Lagers tend to have a straightforward malt flavour, with varying degrees of hop bitterness depending on the sub-style. They are typically clear, pale yellow, and very refreshing.

Kölsch, however, offers a slightly more complex taste. It often has a gentle fruity aroma from the ale yeast, paired with a light malt sweetness and a mild hop bitterness. The result is a delicate and slightly fruity beer that's incredibly easy to drink.

Pairing Perfection

When it comes to food pairings, both lager and Kölsch shine. Lagers are versatile and pair well with a variety of bold dishes, from traditional Indian curries to sizzling Mexican dishes. Their clean, refreshing nature helps cleanse the palate and balance the flavours of the meal, and their neutral flavour profile compliments bold dishes without offering contrasting flavours to clash with.

Kölsch, with its subtle fruitiness and crisp finish, pairs beautifully with lighter dishes which exhibit a subtle character, such as smoked meats and funky cheeses. It’s also fantastic with traditional German cuisine, like bratwurst and pretzels, where its delicate flavours complement the hearty food without overwhelming it.

The Craft Brewery Connection

Lagers and Kolsch are often overlooked, but can be a true indication of the ability of the brewer or brewery, due to the finished product being so clean and neutral there is no way to hide any unwanted off-flavours, making them an unforgiving style to master.

Despite the goal of clean, crisp, neutrality there are numerous ways that a craft brewery can set their product apart from the vast sea of global lager, from the delicate selection of malt and hops, to altering the wort production and fermentation process to yield unique results.

Our Pier Pressure is brewed using the finest German Pilsner malts for a rich honey-malt taste, fermented with a Kolsch Yeast for a boost in character and then lagered long and cold until it’s crisp and refreshing and ready to tantalise the tastebuds of all who dare to blur the lines of style classifications with us.

Live, Laugh, Lager

Whether you’re accustomed to macro global lagers, or crazy for hop forward crafty haze-bombs, we’re firm believers that if you take the time to sip and appreciate a good independently produced lager style beer, you’ll discover the unique nuances imparted by each brewer leaving yourself with a newfound appreciation for the finer brews in life.

Use code ‘GIVEME20’ at checkout for 20% off to celebrate our new Gluten free batch hitting the shelves.

https://www.wapbrewing.co.uk/product-page/pier-pressure