It’s coming down to the end and I just need to fill another week with beer. As if that’s a problem. Maybe today I’ll take a short detour from the path of darkness, and pour out something new and shiny – a West Coast Pils. Hang on, what’s that? Is it just a pilsner with West Coast hops? According to some, it does hang quite a bit on the hops, although not exclusively. This one is primarily flavored with Krush, which is indeed a hop from the West Coast, and also “a touch of Citra”. It was the newish style plus the name Loco Dice that decided me, and only checking out did I realize it was from Garage. Now I’m well and truly sold on it.

It’s ridiculously light, with an abundant head that almost glows. It’s also perfectly clear, showing the tiny bubbles flying around like sea monkeys. The hops are present from the first second of the can being opened, jungly, catnippy, hitting both West Coast and pilsner notes. Straight from the beer, the aroma is extra bready and with a generous helping of savory. It’s like a liquid pretzel. A little bit of salty spice comes through in the flavor, but it’s definitely balanced with a natural grain sweetness. I’m pulled to try to identify a fruit sensation in keeping with the traditional connection of WC with IPA, but it really pulls off the pilsner. There’s that touch of honey and lemon that the classic ones give you, after a startling caraway puff into your nose. Despite it’s pilsiness and appearance of a quiet summer drink, it has a complexity that you feel the need to examine and almost brood over. From Garage, you can expect no less.

Supplier: Be Hoppy
Price: €5.75