Premium Lagers Worth Waiting For
The Ultimate Rugby Lager & The Patio Pilsner
Some beers are brewed to quench your thirst. Others are brewed to make a statement.
These two lagers reward patience, careful fermentation and quality ingredients. They're richer, more refined and designed for brewers who want to take their lager brewing to the next level.
If you've already mastered an easy-drinking lager, these should be your next winter projects.
Why Premium Lagers?
The difference isn't simply more malt or a higher alcohol content.
Premium lagers rely on balance.
A richer malt profile, carefully selected hops and extended cold conditioning combine to produce beers that are smooth, clean and full of character.
The extra time is well worth the wait.
The Ultimate Rugby Lager
Full-bodied without being heavy, this premium export-style lager delivers a richer malt profile balanced by a smooth bitterness and clean finish.
It's brewed for slow afternoons, good company and a full day of rugby.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Batch Size | 20 L |
| OG | 1.056 |
| FG | 1.011 |
| ABV | 5.9% |
| IBU | 28 |
| Colour | Deep Gold |
Grain Bill
| Malt | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pilsner Malt | 5.0 kg |
| Munich Malt | 600 g |
| Vienna Malt | 300 g |
| Carapils | 200 g |
Hop Schedule
| Addition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Magnum – 60 min | 00 g |
| Tettnang – 15 min | 20 g |
| Tettnang – Flameout | 20 g |
Yeast
-
Fermentis SafLager W-34/70
-
The Flavour Smith Gro-Pro Lager Nutreint
Mash
-
66°C – 60 min
-
Mash Out – 76°C – 10 min
Fermentation
-
10–12°C for 2–3 weeks
-
Diacetyl Rest – 16°C for 3 days
-
Lager at 0–4°C for 6–8 weeks
Perfect with: Steak • Lamb chops • Burgers • Match day braais
Suggested Supporting Image
A premium lager beside a rugby ball and sizzling steak on a braai.
The Patio Pilsner
Bright, crisp and beautifully balanced, this pilsner celebrates classic noble hop character without overwhelming the clean malt profile.
It's the kind of beer that keeps you reaching for another glass on a warm afternoon.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Batch Size | 20 L |
| OG | 1.050 |
| FG | 1.008 |
| ABV | 5.4% |
| IBU | 34 |
| Colour | Pale Gold |
Grain Bill
| Malt | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pilsner Malt | 4.8 kg |
| Acidulated Malt | 200 g |
Hop Schedule
| Addition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Saaz – 60 min | 35 g |
| Saaz – 20 min | 25 g |
| Saaz – 5 min | 25 g |
Yeast
-
Fermentis SafLager W-34/70
Mash
-
64°C – 75 min
-
Mash Out – 76°C – 10 min
Fermentation
-
9–12°C for 2–3 weeks
-
Diacetyl Rest – 18°C for 2 days
-
Lager at 0–4°C for 6–8 weeks
Perfect with: Seafood • Chicken • Pizza • Summer afternoons
Getting the Best Results
Premium lagers reward attention to detail.
For the cleanest finish:
-
Use fresh yeast and pitch enough of it.
-
Keep fermentation temperatures stable.
-
Complete a proper diacetyl rest.
-
Avoid introducing oxygen after fermentation.
-
Allow at least 6 weeks of cold lagering.
Every extra week of patience improves flavour, clarity and smoothness.
Final Pour
These are beers that remind us why lagers have remained favourites for generations.
Simple ingredients, careful brewing and plenty of patience produce beers with remarkable balance and drinkability.
Brew them this winter and you'll have two premium lagers ready for every rugby weekend and spring gathering.
Coming Next Week
The Show-Off Lager
A premium-strength lager brewed to showcase everything great about home brewing. Richer, stronger and worth every week of patient lagering.