While they may be difficult and time-consuming to craft, lagers are very easy to smash on a hot day. Here are eight to try this summer
(1) Holgate Norton Lager
Norton is the latest addition to the Holgate Brewhouse range. Norton is inspired by founder Paul Holgate’s father, who liked nothing more than the sense of freedom of riding his Norton motor bike in the 1950s. This helles-style lager is dry-hopped with Ella giving floral and subtle spicy notes and Vic Secret adding clean fruit and pine characters.
FOOD MATCH
Grilled salmon
ABV: 4.3%
RRP: $19.99 per six-pack (330ml)
(2) BrewCult Spoiler Alert! Pale Lager
Spoiler alert: this is a great beer to just sit back with mates and settle in for a session. The noble and new world hops give the beer a clean, crisp and hoppy flavour, with a solid dose of refreshing bitterness. Another great one from Hendo.
FOOD MATCH
Kung Pao chicken
ABV: 4.5%
RRP: $26.99 per four-pack (500ml)
(3) Australian Brewery The Pilsner
A pale and very hoppy beer, taking from the palest of Australian malts and interweaving the bite and aroma of new world hops. This is a Pilsner that exudes refreshment, with the peppery bitterness from the kilos of NZ and US hops well balanced by the rounded malt profile. Crisp, clean and perfect on a hot summer day!
FOOD MATCH
Spicy Mexican fish tacos
ABV: 4.8%
RRP: $13.99 per four-pack (355ml)
(4) Moon Dog Love Tap Double lager
This new world craft lager is so packed full of big hoppy flavours you could almost think it was more IPA than lager. An exceptional lager that displays big tropical hop flavours and finishes clean, crisp and refreshing.
FOOD MATCH
Salt and pepper calamari
ABV: 5.9%
RRP: $18.99 per four-pack (330ml)
(5) Young Henrys Natural Lager
Hazy golden in appearance because it’s unfiltered, this lager has been pouring at the Young Henrys brewery from day one. The three noble Australian hops used in this lager give a subtle citrus aroma and provide very light bitterness. With a gentle, dry finish Natural Lager is an easy-drinking beer that’s best enjoyed cold when the weather’s hot.
FOOD MATCH
Fisherman’s basket
ABV: 4.2%
RRP: $19.99 per six-pack (375ml)
(6) Sydney Brewery Lovedale Lager
A traditional Munich style lager, Lovedale Lager took home the major prize of Champion Draught Beer at the recent Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Awards. A combination of three types of German hops creates a pleasant citrus aroma that is balanced by the toasty malty backbone. A well-crafted, clean, fresh lager.
FOOD MATCH
Fish ‘n’ chips
ABV: 4.7%
RRP: $14.99 per four-pack (330ml)
(7) Mornington Lager
Mornington Lager is a German-style lager presenting light straw in colour and featuring the noble German hop Tettnang. Aromas of spice and fresh cut grass lead into a crisp refreshing palate displaying a light grainy texture. Clean, crisp and very refreshing.
FOOD MATCH
Grilled fish or any white meat
ABV: 4.7%
RRP: $14-$16 per four-pack (330ml)
(8) Southern Bay Requiem New World Pilsner
In an effort to make a lager sexy and more interesting, Southern Bay has added a twist to the Pilsner recipe. The Requiem New World Pilsner has a subtle malt backbone and a cool, clean ferment in the traditional style. The beer is then hopped like an American pale ale with three different Hallertau varieties from Germany, Australia and New Zealand. It displays classic lager characteristics but has floral hop aromatics and flavour that sets it apart from the pack.
FOOD MATCH
Antipasto and cold meats
ABV: 4.5%
RRP: $19.99 per 6-pack (330ml)
You are very polite with your review of young Henrys. Using words like subtle, gentle and easy drinking. What you really mean is that it is lacking completely in character and is a very over- rated beer. As a German friend said to me about it. …One step above water.