Champagne Lager? Kasteel Cru Beer Review
January 3, 2009
I recently wrote an article about yeast, for The Brewclub and described the difference between top fermenting yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) as used in ales, and bottom fermenting – (Saccharomyces pastonrianus – formerly known as Saccaromyces carlsbergensis) as used in lagers. Well clearly there are different varieties of yeasts within those two main headings, because this weekend I tried a lager brewed with champagne yeast! Keep this beer in mind for your next New Year’s Eve celebration!
Kasteel Cru is said lager, brewed in Alsace using spring water, champagne yeast and hallertau hops. I suspect that the brewers would have us believe that the hops were hand picked by virgins, under a full moon, such is the premium they’re trying to attach to this 5.3% lager.
Understandably so, this is a bustling sector of the market, and it takes something really special to differentiate a real premium lager. It seems to be working as it got a mention in British GQ Magazine’s “100 Best Things” . It’s got its own special glass too, as you’ll see from the picture… very classy.
Despite the hyperbole, this is actually a very fine lager.
A very pale amber colour and a full, fizzing head. A fine hoppy nose that is refreshing before you even taste the drink that’s probably the influence of that Champagne yeast.
The drink itself is, as you would expect, really light and refreshing, and ever so slightly sweet.
It’s an excellent, well balanced flavour, somebody’s really done their homework on this one.
I’d give this four stars. It might have been higher, but it’s so premium, at the equivalent of nearly four dollars a 330ml bottle it’s a bit pricey for day to day drinking. But then I guess that’s their intention.
Rating: 
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Posted in 4 Star Reviews, All Brews Reviewed, European Beers, Lager, Views from a Brit
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January 4th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Ok now we’re talking, This sounds like my type of lager. I am more of a wine drinker, Joe is the brew drinker. I’m making a note of this one. I have to try it.
Betty’s last blog post..Award’s
January 5th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Great beer, I have actually bought it before at a bunch of the Whole Foods in New York City
January 5th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Hey Bob,
do you know if I can order this beer online? Because I can’t find it in my local liquor stores here in Australia.
January 10th, 2009 at 12:34 am
This beer is AMAZING!!!!
June 4th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I’ve tried it and its a cracking brand. I believe Morrison’s have both the Kasteel Cru and the Kasteel Cru Rose in their range. The Rose variant is every bit as good…..
June 4th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
A Kasteel Rose? I’m off to my local Morrisons tomorrow!
Bob the Brit’s last blog post..West End
December 18th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
This is really good, but not for those who prefer a dark ale. It does not leave a strong finish on the tongue, but reminds me more of a sweet micro brew
.-= hunter´s last blog ..How To Drink Champagne =-.