I will preface this with the disclaimer that I am in no way supported by the Islay tourist board, but, if you have never been to Islay, you owe it to yourself to go. I just got back from a few days over there and I had an absolute blast. Historically I have preferred to take trips outside of the UK, especially in winter, but Islay blew my mind, it is genuinely beautiful and I will definitely return in the future,
You should think about a visit too and if you are reading this there is a very good chance you aren't opposed to a little alcoholic interference from time to time, this is something Islay has that in spades. I mean, there are like nine distilleries on the island, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich and Kilchoman. This last one was a new one to me, but their distillery tour was fantastic and their whiskey was even better. After all that whisky, I am in need of a restorative beer. Let's crack on, shall we?
Happy Pils
Style - Pilsner
Brewer - BRLO
Hops - Herkules, Ariana, Madarina Bavaria, Opal
ABV - 4.9%
The Beer
For those of you not in the know, Islay whiskies are characterised by heavy peating, meaning they are smoky, very smoky. This is not necessarily a flavour for everyone, but I love it. However, it does play havoc on your taste buds. After all of the drams I knocked back on the Island, a refreshing pilsner should be exactly what I need to restore my taste receptors to full capacity, at least that's what I'm telling myself.
Happy Pils pours really well. This is clearer looking than a mountain stream and as crisp as fresh snow. There is no haze in sight, so I am expecting ultimate thirst quenchability. I don't expect to be gasping for water after most beers, but especially not a pilsner and Happy Pils looks the ticket. Although, more head retention would be nice, this seems to be a recurring theme in all my posts, but I love head on a beer.
On the nose Happy Pils has big bready yeast notes, just what you'd hope for from a pilsner. There's also a fruity floral note which cuts through the yeast and brings the aromas to life. Everything is shaping up well so far.
Once this Happy Pils has entered the mouth it basically explodes in a wave of effervescence. This is a rather fizzy affair. For me that slightly over fizziness masks any higher level flavour notes - those fruity floral scents I was picking up for example - and highlights a certain sourness to the brew. Happy Pils is not as malt flavour forward as I was expecting (there is some maltiness on the front end, but it dissipates quickly), nor is it as immediately bitter as I would have liked. There is bitterness to be had here, but it comes in late, approximately thirty seconds or so after you've swallowed your mouthful. This bitterness builds as you drink along and develops into a West Coast IPA style bitterness, which I usually like but which, in a pilsner, I find a little unpleasant.
Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying Happy Pils but the combination between sourness and bitterness is a bit all over the place. I'd probably have this again, but it wouldn't be my first choice from BRLO - their West Coast IPA and Helles are probably more up my street.
Score - 3.5/5
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