Twin Fin in this case refers to a type of surfboard which is part of this pilsner’s branding. Anybody who has been in the surf knows how crisp and refreshing it is to be swamped by the first wave as you enter the ocean.
It is just that kind of revitalizing feeling that you have when you take a deep draught of Richmond Hill Brewing Company’s Twin Fin Keller Pilsner.
What makes the Twin Fin Keller Pilsner so fresh?
Niall Cook, Master Brewer at RHBC says that the pilsner is brewed to be enjoyed fresh from the serving tank also known as a cellar tank.
“Keller, the German word for cellar ties this beer style into the unique characteristics associated with this type of serving technique. Keller Pilsners were therefore served straight from tank, in some cases much sooner than what would have be expected from standard German Lagers which adds a unique freshness to the beer” adds Niall.
Beers can be slightly different within Germany depending on the region they are brewed in. In this case a Munich Keller Pilsner (the sub style Twin Fin falls under) will use ingredients native to that area. One magical ingredient in this beer and shines through prominently is the hop, Hallertauer Mittelfruh that is famously used in some of Germany’s best lagers and pilsners.
Niall says, “Since the Keller Pilsner is served a bit younger than other lagers there can be more haze present as the yeast hasn’t settle out completely yet. This allows for more delicious yeast character to shine through. The hops flavor in all beers becomes subdued over time and is thus at its peak when fresh from the serving or the cellar tank.”
Historically, this was how most beer was served, young and fresh, straight from the tank at neighborhood brewhouses in Germany.
On the pallet, a fresh Twin Fin straight from the keg, gives floral notes from the hops, the normal crisp bitterness of a pilsner and a nutty flavor from the malt.
I sampled the Twin Fin fresh from a keg and found that, with it’s a 5% alcohol content, it was and light and invigorating and very sessionable.
Not surprisingly it has won a Gold at South African National Beer Trophy 2022 and Silver Medal at the African Beer Cup in 2021 and 2022 for its category.
“We also serve the Twin Fin in a can, and although this is not the traditional way of serving a Keller Pilsner, we package at the perfect time to retain the yeast character in the can. A few gentle inversions of the can before serving will rouse the yeast up into suspension and impart that desired character. Some customers prefer to allow the beer to clear completely falling along the lines of a more mainstream, crystal-clear Pilsner which is just as delicious. Each to their own” concludes Niall.
You can order the Twin Fin Keller Pilsner online when in stock or from the RHBC Tap Room in Alabaster Street, Baakens Valley Port Elizabeth where it is sold on tap or in cans for local or take away consumption.
