The second dirty, disgusting 40+ degree day in a row yesterday called for another pilsner. What a test, New Zealand (Tuatara Mot Eureka New Zealand Pilsner) v Australia (Pirate Life White Labs Pilsner). The winner? Keep reading.

Appearance 4/5
Aroma 6/10
Flavour 8/10
Palate 4/5
Overall 15/10

Bottle (and a magnificent looking bottle at that!) Pours a hazy straw, with a well retained frothy white head and great, long lasting lacing. The aroma is very gentle, with hints of lemon blossom and grassy hops, along with back notes of honey malt. A heady mix of Pacific Jade, Motueka, Riwaka, Nelson Sauvin hops showcase delicious hoppy flavours of grass, spice and citrus throughout the long, bitter finish. There’s an ever so slight sweet honey and bread malt background. On a hot, hot day, this was an incredibly refreshing, crisp, clean beer.

And the winner is? The Pirate Life White Labs by a lousy point (the aroma won out). The little Kiwi is a cracker of a beer though. One of the best pilsners I’ve had. It’s the first Tuatara I’ve had and will be seeking them out.