Hello Hivers!
Another week has passed, so it's time for another #BeerSaturday.
Last week I went for a beer with an alcohol volume of 11%. This time it could be a bit less, and because the summer temperatures are still present here in Belgium, I opted for a nice fresh beer this time.
Belgium has many pilsner brands, some better than others, and some more commercially than others, but since the beginning of this year - February to be precise - the Alken-Maes Brewery has launched a new pilsner beer, the Cristal Xtra.
The result is a combination of the grains barley, wheat and rye that does what this beer promises: a full and soft character, combined with the typical refreshment and drinkability of a pils beer.
“In addition, Cristal not only wants to change the taste experience of lager beer, but also the way it is brewed. That is why Cristal proactively focuses on using as many local ingredients as possible and the brewery works closely with Belgian farmers for this. Something that was also highly valued during the development process of Cristal XTRA.”
But the entire Cristal brewing process has also been given a sustainable approach. “For example, Cristal has been brewed with 100% local and green electricity since 2021 thanks to the 6,500 solar panels on the roof of the brewery and 2 windmills in Alken. By continuously looking at how we can make our brewing process even more sustainable, we want to further reduce our ecological footprint. In this way, Cristal contributes to a greener, more sustainable world. We've been brewing Cristal for almost 100 years and want to add at least as many more," said Tom Poncelet, packaging expert at Cristal.
The pilsner brand is further developing a unique glass that is lower and wider, in order to maximize the full taste experience. The high-quality finish with a golden edge provides a nod to the well-known Cristal boerke. “In addition, the brewery has also examined the packaging format. For example, Cristal XTRA will be available in a box of 12 bottles, instead of in a tub of beer. In this way, Cristal responds to the current demand from Belgians for more ease of use. In addition, the innovative Cristal XTRA was also provided with a brand new style with a contemporary and high-quality design,” according to the brewery.
In 1928, the brewery brewed the first Belgian lager, Cristal, with an alcohol volume of 5%. Since the emergence of non-alcoholic beers, a lager was later also brewed with 0.0% alcohol.
Because the Belgian beer lovers actually found little variation and taste differences in the Belgian pilsner, a new pilsner was developed at the beginning of 2022, with the 3 grains as an ingredient.
And you can taste that difference in taste! I tasted the Cristal Xtra, good for ABV 5.2%, from a 33cl can. The beer is unfiltered, and you can notice that from the wazy golden yellow color that the beer has. A nice full white foam head, which stays for a long time. And a nice carbonization.
In the nose I especially notice the grains and hops that were used in the beer. In terms of taste, the grains used give a nice bitterness, with a little sweetness. A very refreshing beer, which you can fully enjoy on a terrace in the sun. And with the 5.2% alcohol volume you can go for a few more!
A nice malty aftertaste, which leaves you wanting more. In short, a real refreshment and a taste sensation in a beautiful new lager.
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Have a nice weekend everyone!
