Nine months since receiving planning permission to convert a 7,200 sq ft former industrial building in Dundee into the city centre’s first brewery for nearly 50 years, 71 Brewing has today (16th January 2017) unveiled its flagship brew: 71 Lager.
Modelled very closely on a Bohemian Pilsner using exclusively Czech hops and British pilsener malt, 71 Lager is a worthy bedfellow to its famous European cousin because of the unique low mineral content of the water in Dundee.
As founder and head brewer Duncan Alexander explained: “When I said that there was something in the water in Dundee, I wasn’t just alluding to the real cultural and economic metamorphosis that’s going on in the city, of which we want to play a part. There is literal truth in that statement. When we had samples analysed of the water we’re using at the brewery, we found very clear similarities between it and the traditional Pilsen water, which is soft, free from most minerals and low in bicarbonates. This results in a very clean, fresh and crisp lager. Result for us too as we’ve not had to treat the water at all – totally natural.”
Appearance – Bright & golden in colour with a long lasting creamy white head
Aroma – Rich malt on the nose with subtle spice and floral notes from the Saaz hops
Taste – Malt sweetness with a soft rounded bitterness and a clean crisp finish
Palate – Medium body with light carbonation
Alexander added: “We have been inspired by the great lager brewing traditions of central and eastern Europe. From the lightest Munich Helles to the darkest Baltic Porter, the lager style is varied and exciting. Our aim is to explore and celebrate these classic beers.
“Pilsener Lager is making a real return and, a good one in our minds, combines flavour and sessionability. Dundee’s a proud working class city and I felt very strongly that we needed to stay true to our roots. So this is a finely crafted session lager for the everyday man, and woman.”
The design for 71 Brewing and its eponymous lager was created by Fleet Collective in Dundee and takes its cues from the brickbuilt building, which is the last surviving element of the once mighty Blackness foundry based at 71 Blackness Road. With £650,000 funding obtained from Scottish Enterprise, Regional Selective Assistance and The Scottish Investment Bank, as well as private investment, Alexander and his business partner, Mark Griffiths, secured planning permission in March to convert the building. The 25hl brewhouse will open later this month to the public with an on-site taproom and off-licence due to open later in the year.
71 Lager is now available in 30 and 50 litre keg and later in 330ml bottle from the brewer: sales@71brewing.
Media Enquiries: Steph Middleton at Fairground Communications
