Festbier
Pillars Brewery and Taproom

 

In my still-limited exposure to London's micro market, this is the first crafter I found that specializes in lagers. I think it is interesting how major metros develop this specialty. Taking Chicagoland as role model and a similarly-sized metro, I remember two lager specialists from the first decade of this Century (and one went out of business.) By the second decade (the teens), three or four lager specialists emerged and -- when their quality was near the top -- they started to brew well in the ale traditions. Now in the third decade, I've lost count of a dozen or so specialists; but lagers clearly have taken hold of a bigger share of Chicagoland.

Relevance to London? Pillars is my first encounter with a London lager specialist. And while this Fest seems to be their first bottled, they have done a good job. It Looks and Smells only slightly above average. And while its Taste initially mimics the style well, the drying hops take over mid-palate instead of the finish (which is what I prefer.) Medium-to-light mouthed, this Fest went well with the Indian Street Food I had for lunch at Borough Market. Bought this bottle at UtoBeer.

P.S. Per the Description below, does anyone know what Rotten burger hops are? (That doesn't make a vegetarian salivate.)