The dictionary definition of a ‘firebrand’ is a person who causes political or social trouble by opposing authority and encouraging others to do so.
I can’t say that Firebrand Brewing Company is necessarily trying to oppose authority, but I think they’re challenging the status quo of what a craft brewing company can, and should, be.
Launched in 2012 on the edge of Bodmin Moor, in a converted milking parlour, the owners started brewing beer that they wanted to drink themselves. Over the last 12 years the company continued grow and expand to the point that they needed to relocate; they are now in a large industrial unit in Launceston, the ancient capital of Cornwall.
So, when we were approached by their PR agency who wanted to let us know about the company’s latest product: Little Wave, an alcohol-free lager, we were immediately interested.
Having made contact with the agency, they offered to send a mixed case of their beers to sample, along with Little Wave.
Over the last few years I have reported on the growing demand for zero alcohol lagers and beers, and as I have previously found, the quality of alcohol-free beers and lagers has been variable.
Some hit the spot and you cannot tell the difference, except that you can drive home safely and you don’t need to order a cab.
Little Wave is one of those lagers that more than met expectations, it was stunning and I would happily order this lager even if I had left the car at home.
It’s a confident lager that didn’t disappoint; the slightly hop-forward nose, the fine bubbles – a trademark of this excellent Cornish brewery – the smooth finish and lingering sense of satisfaction soon emptied the glass.
This, for me, is a benchmark for alcohol free lagers that other companies should be striving to achieve.
The brewery’s flagship pale ale, Patchwork Rocket (4.2% ABV), a cloudy pale ale with subtle, yet confident, citrus notes.
The fine bubbles – the finest of any pale ale I have sampled – delivered one of the most satisfying taste sensations I have had from a beer.
This is an exceptional pale ale that deserves wider appreciation and I hope that it isn’t long before I can walk into a bar and order a Patchwork Rocket.
We also sampled Helles Beach Cornish lager (4.4%); An Howl IPA (4.8%); Summerleaze Hazy Pale (4%) and Thundercloud Hazy Pale (5.5%) – all excellent in their own right.
All that said, I have to finish my review by turning my attention back to Little Wave and reiterate just how good it is, and I hope that this beer gets the attention that it truly deserves.
Fore more information visit their website