Radiant Beer Co. opened its doors, kind of, during the height of pandemic in 2020 with to-go only packaged beer and shined bright from day one. Only a few weeks later, their first Lager was packaged and sold. Since then, Radiant’s head of all things brewing Andrew Bell his brewing team has consistently had a Lagerbier flowing and available on-site ever since it was safe to do so. Their latest German-Style Pilsner (Pils), Brighter Than Sunshine is Enbeerment’s Lagerbier of the week!
Any well-produced German Pils benefits with the use of traditional old-world ingredients. Brighter Than Sunshine does just that with the use of only German malt and hops, with a focus on the application of Saphir, Tettnang, and Hallertau Mittlefrüh hops. Tettnang and Hallertau Mittlefrüh are both Noble Hops and are renowned for their pleasant properties and elegant nature. Saphir, a popular German hop, is a fairly recent addition to the available hop roster. Only being bred by the Hop Research Center Hüll (about 45 minutes north of Munich) in 2002, Saphir imparts a nice mix of “noble” qualities along with some added new-world characters. All three shimmer in sophistication in Brighter Than Sunshine.
Pouring a pale golden yellow with a fluffy cap of foam, aided using a LUKR (Czech “slow pour”) Faucet when ordered at the tasting room. Aromas of biscuit let the hops gracefully take the spotlight. Tettnang and Hallertau Mittlefrüh provide the black tea, sage, dried lavender, fresh pine, sweet spices, and new-mown hay while Saphir adds lemon zest and berry stems all in graceful balance. The palate is much the same with the addition of an earl grey tea and lemongrass. Medium-bodied and highly effervescent with a snappy mouthfeel. Pleasantly bitter and clean, semi-dry finish.
Pair with almost any meal one may think of especially Mexican and Thai dishes where the hop flavors resonate with the cilantro and lime while the carbonation washes away any oils left on the tongue. A great partner with carne asada, too. If seafood is more your liking, shellfish or delicate fish will work, especially with citrus marinades or drizzles. Brighter Than Sunshine can stand up to spicy dishes (did someone say Buffalo Wings?) and salty dishes are tamed by the bitterness.
Enjoy a pour while it’s still around and take home a 4-pack.
Prost!
Gilbert “Charlie” Perez, Advanced Cicerone®