East End Lager
East London Brewing Company

Five years later, my can carries the name "East" (no "End"), but it probably is largely the same lager. However, I think German Pils would be more accurate styling for this as the bitter hops are more modest than the Czech styled pils. But as only the second review, who am I to bicker?

Gluten-free, this was a perfectly suitable pils to have with lunch. No sweet malt interference, not too many hops; the food (my world-famous veggie soup) could do its thing. East Looks like a decent lager, big head then goes away. Also barely above average, Smells are mostly malt with hints of hops. Tastes are balanced with a healthy semi-dry finish. A bit on the thin side, but for a lunch lager that is a virtue.

This is my first brew from East London in seven years. Since then, the founders have sold most of their shares to a partner and all are helping the brewery grow East London. They do lots of the community/sustainability Good Guy stuff, but I was most interested in how devotees, several years running, would bring in their hops bines in September and that would end up in the beer. Cheers !

L- Pale straw, slightly hazy, pours with 3mm big-bubble white head. Hmmm... 'It's an Omen!'
S- Smells quite dry, hard to pin down, perhaps mild citrus?
T- Unusual, it seems to be pinging all my grapefruit senses (sharp/bitter/sour) without any of the sweetness - or - Like sour/bitter grapefruit with no 'warmth' (aroma, sweetness, perfume).
F- Austere, leaves a heavy hoppy-dry brush across the palate.
O- Might have some utility if it's a hot summer's day. Doesn't fit well for me given it's New Year's Eve!
ps. The 'omen' was that a beer that looks like this, always seems to end up with this kind of rating from me - I can't think of any other Look of beer that is so immediate to be able to predict whether I'll enjoy it ot not.
Bought from M&S London £2.30 BB: Dec-2021 330ml can