This beer is an India Pale Lager, which is a deviation on the usual American style India Pale Ale in that the malt base is often lean and clean, the bitterness a little more subdued and the alcohol content a tad lower so as to bring the beer into balance. And the other important thing is that this style uses a bottom fermenting “lager” strain as opposed to the warmer, top-fermenting “Ale” strain, resulting in a crisper, cleaner finish and more nuanced malt profile, thanks to the wonderful Weihenstephan strain that was used in this brew.

Illuminati Power Lunch – India Pale Lager

Malt – German Pilsner and Wheat malts

Hops – Waimea (Freestyle Farms), Ekuanot and Amarillo

Yeast – Fermentis W34/70, cool fermented and lagered for one month.

Aroma – A huge whack of bright citrus on the nose with big notes of mandarin zest and sweet lemon peel. A touch of hop-derived floral character lies beneath the zesty intensity.

Flavour – Clean and bright initially with a light and crisp mouthfeel and subtle malt weight. More citrus comes through, with orange-like oils coating the palate. The beer finishes with a light, peel-like bitterness and short after-bitterness. Great drinkability.

Appearance – Bright yellow with a firm white head.

Bitterness – Medium

AbV – 5.8%