Over the last few years we have had the privilege to sample a range of beers from Arkell’s Brewery and have always been impressed.
When we heard about the Malthouse Craft Lager we were keen to add it to our list of reviewed beers; after contacting the brewery a case of beers duly arrived.
The cans are stylishly designed with a slightly textured finish, which are immediately inviting. On the brewery’s website they explain that Malthouse Craft Lager is brewed with local barley and Saaz hops, producing what they describe as a ‘Pilsner-like’ lager.
As much as headline is a fairly weak pun, the lager was certainly no lightweight. At 4.2% ABV, Malthouse Craft Lager has the right balance of alcoholic strength that underpins what a complex flavour profile that we could only describe as a ‘hearty’.
From mouthfeel to finish, you experience a range of tastes; from the initially light and refreshing mouthfeel you get a dark chocolate maltiness, that provides an unfolding depth, delivering an ultimately complex, but satisfying, overall flavour.
This is definitely a lager that stands out from the crowd and could well appeal to those who might generally opt for a craft ale.
With Arkell’s estate of 80 pubs across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Hampshire, they have readymade outlet for what is an excellent craft lager.
With a growing line-up of excellent beers, we very much look forward to seeing what Arkell’s has up its sleeve and we will, of course, report back in due course.
For more information visit their website