Kelvin Pilsner
Drygate Brewery

 

basic but well made, easy drinking lager that did well with nice food, marinated olives, creatively prepared scallops, fresh flavors, crisp things, salt and freshness, surprised to learn this is gluten free, it doesnt feel reduced in that way, but i think the regulations for that are different over there in the uk, lots of gluten free stuff gave me similar normal beer vibes. this one is nice and light, yellow and clear with a lot of bubbles but just an average white head by the time the draft pour got to our table. looks refreshing and bright. the nose is mellow, understated, pils malt but like not crazy european, same with the yeast, lager for sure but real expressive, more neutral on those fronts than i usually expect in a proper pils, but the balance is nice and there are no flaws in this, lightly noble hops to me, but those are chill too, and this presents as much as like a premium basic lager as it does any kind of authentic old world pils, which is fine. the flavor is similar, maybe a bit more from the grain, minerals for sure, nice and dry and quick and quenching with a little crackery recall at the end, ever so slightly coppery as it warms up. a little grassy but never bitter from the hops, doughy lager yeast is only there for a flash, then this is gone and clean on the palate, fast carbonation is just right for it, and it felt elevated in a nicer food context but might seem a little pedestrian lined up with top notch examples of the style. still, its tidy and professional and light, and neat that its gluten free as well. low key but polished up well, very good mouthfeel.

I tried a third pint of this Gluten Free beer off the tapper at the brewery. It poured a clear golden with white head that did not leave much lace. The scent had saaz hop notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with bright crystal malt base with grain and grass presence. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with good carbonation. Overall it is a great beer.