Kinnegar Brewing releases Day Skipper Pilsner

The pilsner is a new addition to the Donegal brewery’s 'iconic' core range of beers

Kinnegar Brewing announces the release of Day Skipper Pilsner, a new addition to the Donegal brewery’s iconic core range of beers.

Available in 500ML bottle and 440ML can, Day Skipper lines up alongside established bestsellers Scraggy Bay, Big Bunny, Rustbucket, and Jackrabbit Ginger.

“We’re really excited about Day Skipper,” Rick LeVert, Kinnegar’s founder and MD, said.

He added: “This is the beer I’ve always dreamed of making. People ask me how I got into brewing. The simple answer is by drinking pilsner in Germany.”

Many consider the pilsner to be the queen of all beer styles. “It’s all about balance,” Matt Davies, Kinnegar’s head brewer and the developer of Day Skipper, said.

He added: “With a northern German Pilsner style you want a lovely little snap of floral hops. Not too much, just a snap to complement the bready malt character.”

Delivering blance

Day Skipper delivers balance. Pale straw in colour, it pours with a fluffy head of white foam. Floral aromas from German noble hop varieties overlay a flavour that is clean, crisp, refreshing and highly drinkable.

Speaking from experience distributing leading brands, such as Veltins and Bitburger, Wally Kearon of Grand Cru Beers emphasises the relevance of German pilsners.

‘Self-deprecating nod’

The name, Day Skipper, is a self-deprecating nod to the challenges the team went through while developing the beer.

“Despite its apparent simplicity, a pilsner is very unforgiving. Every mistake you make is right there on the nose,” Dvies said.

LeVert noted: “It reminded me of learning to sail. There were so many new things to balance: the boat, the tides, the wind.”

According to Davis, the brewery has taken a very traditional approach to the beer.

“We weren’t interested in making a pils with an Irish twist; we wanted to make a pils that matches the original,” he concluded.