Founded in 2011, Pistonhead is produced by Brutal Brewing – created by Swedish brewery Spendrups. Established over 100 years ago, the family-run brewery has since become one of Northern Europe’s largest breweries, with over 1000 employees, producing upwards of 400 million litres of drinks for brands such as Norrland’s Gold, Mariestads and Heineken.
Spendrups’ Brutal Brewing, on the other hand, operates as a brewery work shop with an intention to produce exciting beers specifically designed for enthusiasts. Now exported to 12 countries, Pistonhead has become the subject of cult popularity with its unique can designs emblazoned with cartoon sugar skulls. The brand’s website reads: “We are serious about our brews, but not serious about much else – our simple mission is to create great drinks.”
Specifically targeted at clubs and live music venues in the UK, Pistonhead has also launched The Pistonhead Foundation, supporting and encouraging creative talent. “Pistonhead Foundation has supported underground clubs with a tight budget, artists who need help to cover their train tickets or bands who need three cases for a video shoot,” explains Pistonhead’s website. “We choose do this in different ways: send a check, put up new mufflers in the rehearsal room, make sure you have a hard drive to back up your beats or work with spreading artists’ expressions and messages!”
From the brand’s core range, Haze Lager is a crisp, unfiltered lager brewed with Magnum and Galaxy hops, plus a malt blend of Pilsner and Cara. On the nose, bold passion fruit and citrus aromas are imparted from the Australian Galaxy hops, joined by bread and yeast notes, sweet caramel and a whisper of resinous pine. Citrus savours continue on the palate, complete with a suggestion of grape, apricot and a malty background with soft bitterness which continues on the short, crisp finish.
Further information on Pistonhead can be found here. Haze Lager is available from Tesco, £1.80, 330ml.
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