There's nothing like a cool, crisp lager to quench your thirst on a hot day, but which one to choose? The range of lagers available in the UK is growing and craft lager is definitely a thing now - whatever that actually means!
One British brewery that focuses on high quality ingredients is East Anglia's Bruha. The company is based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border in the heart of farming country where some of the country's best barley is grown. Launched by Rob Breakwell and Marc Medland in 2020, Bruha now brews 20,000 litres of beer a month.
Rob Breakwell, Managing Director, has ambitious plans for the brewery: "There are some brilliant brands in East Anglia", he says, "for example, Aspall's and Stokes. We want to join them and become a known name in the region for creating consistently good beer. We have the products, the equipment and the skills. Now we just need to get out to the trade."
Bruha does not pitch itself as a craft brewery. The company is focused on creating good quality, clean, clear and crisp beers that appeal to today's consumer looking for an accessible premium beer they can enjoy every day.
Rob explains further: "Bruha is aimed at the modern drinker - someone who loves a good pint, but isn't interested in fads or trying 'the next big thing'. We want to become the essential East Anglian beer brand that's known for creating aspirational beers that are consistently delicious."
There are currently three beers in the Bruha range, with seasonal beers launched throughout the year.
For this month's recommendation, I have chosen Bruha Lager, a 4% ABV smile of summer that should appeal to anyone looking for a premium lager with character and flavour.
Bruha Lager is inspired by Czech and German Pilsners. It's made in a pilsner-style, using the very best East Anglian malted barley, combined with Amarillo and Cascade hops. The shiny silver-coloured packaging is bright, unfussy and appealing, suggesting clean, refreshing liquid inside!
Appearance: bright, clear mid-gold in colour with a decent frothy head.
Nose: fruity and fresh with notes of citrus fruit and malt biscuit plus hints of pine and freshly mown grass.
Palate: dry, crisp and hoppy with notes of grapefruit, mild hop bitterness, a touch of pine and a malty backbone that adds a subtle sweetness. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and rounded, while the finish is quite long.
Food match: perfect for sipping on its own, this will also pair well with a wide variety of food from lamb cutlets or fish and chips to vegetable pakoras and other light dishes.
Bruha Lager is available in 440ml cans from the brewery's online shop for £25 for 12 cans and from independent retail outlets nationwide (RRP £2.50 per can).
So, if you're searching for the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer's day, then grab a can of Bruha Lager and feel refreshed!
