New Dundee brewery, 71 Brewing, has launched its first-ever product, 71 Lager, which is modelled on a Bohemian Pilsner using exclusively Czech hops and British pilsener malt.
71 Brewing’s founder and head brewer, Duncan Alexander, says the unique low mineral content of the water in Dundee makes for a more “clean, fresh and crisp lager”.
He explained, “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.”
Alexander added that the lager is inspired by the brewing traditions of central and eastern Europe, from the lightest Munich Helles to the darkest Baltic Porter.
He said, “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.”
71 Brewing
The launch comes nine months after the company received 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.
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 former 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 2016 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.