Hawkers Pilsner

“Going up the country.”

I’m not usually one for pilsners so my enthusiasm for this brew is something of an anomaly (although some of my more cynical counterparts may argue otherwise). The reason for my apathy is I usually find light lagers very two-dimensional. But this is not at all the case with Hawkers. It’s a beer that takes you to the country – a clean, crisp brew with aromas of herb gardens and hay bales alongside honeyed malts. Breathe it in!

Would I buy it again?
Yes, I believe I would.

“Great beer? Czech.”

As a pilsner virgin, I tucked into my first sip not knowing what to expect and I found that it certainly is unique to any beer I’ve had in the past.
It has an aftertaste that is hard to pin point the exact flavour which I might apprehensively label as ‘wheaty’.

Whatever the flavour is, I love it, only a mild bitterness and very drinkable.

Would I buy it again?
Yes, a great Friday night would be watching footy with a meat lovers pizza and a couple of these.

“Barn yard bonanza.”

This Czech pilsner poured superbly and its vivid golden hue was adorned with a light froth that I couldn’t wait to take a sip of. At first I really liked it, but then I was hit with an aftertaste which I can only describe as chewed up hay... not that I’ve ever munched on the stuff. The beer was very sessionable; however it just wasn’t to my tastebuds.

Would I buy it again?
I’d drink it again but probably wouldn’t go out of my way to search for it... but that goes with most pilsners.

“It tastes like that one thingo... not that one... the other thingo... you know, the ‘thingo.’”

On trying the Hawkers Pilsner I had this overwhelming feeling of familiarity. It tasted like something I had had before but I couldn’t place it. Alas, irritation was the dominant emotion I experienced while drinking this, which isn’t the fault of the brewer – it’s more of a personal failing.

My immediate reaction to trying this drop was ‘yeah, ok’. It’s certainly not bad, but it doesn’t really excite me either. As a pilsner, I can’t help but compare it to Heineken, of which I’m not a huge fan. It’s a bit sweeter than Heineken, and a lot easier to drink, but it left me wanting.

Would I buy it again?
Maybe.