Are Lager beers boring? We asked the people who know the most about beer
Pilsner-style beers are the foundation of everything in this world. When they are well-made, the rest follows naturally.
We've been brewing the Lager in our Core Range for many years. We know it's a clear, clean beer with a unique character. But, because we didn't want it to sound like we were just blowing our own trumpet, we decided to put it to the test.
We've gathered some of the biggest experts, sommeliers, and educators in the craft beer scene to ask them a few questions and have them taste our Lager. Here is what they had to say.
What makes a good Pilsner?
Before getting into evaluating ours, we wanted to know what professionals look for in a good bottom-fermented beer. The answers were unanimous:
- Cleanliness and clarity: A good Pilsner must be very clean, transparent, and crystal clear in colour.
- Pure aromas and flavours: You look for a clear cereal aroma, with pale notes and a very dry finish.
- Balance and subtlety: It all depends on the quality of the ingredients, aiming for a subtle balance where the hop bitterness is quite noticeable.
Our SanFrutos Lager under the microscope
When we asked what they like most about our Lager, their answers made us smile with pride.
Instead of being a strict German Pilsner, Luis Vida defines it as a "Spanish Pilsner": it's friendlier and doesn't have such a markedly aggressive bitterness. The result? Exceptionally high drinkability. It's a nice, cold beer, with just the right amount of alcohol, one that you could "drink by the litre" and easily finish "in a flash".
If they had to define it in three words, the experts chose terms like: purity, freshness, balance, refreshing, and inclusive (because it's also gluten-free!). And as Chopper said, it's basically "sex and rock and roll".
Who and when is this beer for?
- The ideal moment? Practically anytime. It’s perfect as your first pint of the day when you get to a pub, to accompany a meal because it pairs brilliantly, or for BBQs and terraces when the summer heat sets in.
- Who would you recommend it to? To absolutely everyone (over 18, of course). From the restless pint drinker who wants to move away from industrial beer that "makes you feel rough," to the craft beer expert looking for a balanced path back to the essence and purity. Plus, being Gluten-Free, literally anyone can enjoy it.
The final verdict: Lager doesn't lie
For anyone who thinks Lager beers are boring or monotonous, the experts' message is clear: explore and try them out.
As they rightly say in the video, "Lager doesn't lie". If a beer of this style has a flaw, there's nowhere to hide it. It's a perfect and incredibly easy gateway into tasting quality craft beers.
At SanFrutos, we want to give massive thanks to these industry legends for taking part:
- Txetxu from @craftesanos
- Luis Vida from @lacanibal_ / @sabeer.cerveza
- Eña Ferreras (@the_beerbaby)
- Yann from @la.mundial
- Alin from @artizanale_madrid / @beerhouse_la_latina
- Chopper from @hidden.beers / @beerhunterbeer
What about you? Do you still think Lagers are boring, or are you ready to try a Proper Beer?