33cl bottle from the brewery shop. Golden amber with a ring of translucent head and lively carbonation; the aroma is sweet and surprisingly vinous; it’s got a full bodied texture and a mellow fruity taste with a touch of woodiness; then a dry finish.One of the best pilsners I’ve ever tasted. According to the assistant in the shop, the key difference between this an Trial #1 is the use of a Belgian yeast instead of an English one. This is a clear favourite of the two for me, but unfortunately they have decided to go ahead with a produciton run based on Trial #1 with a few tweaks.

Bottle, at and thanks to JF, 03/11/13. Lightly hazed golden with a good sized off white head that dissipates to a pond. Nose is fresh, straw, light apricot tang, toasted malt, citrus. Taste comprises citric tang, toasted malts, shades of apricot, orange. Medium bodied, light spritz, clean finale. Drinkable pils, interesting to see Hogs Back branching out this way, a tastier product than some of their ’trad’ bitters! #2 shades #1 for me.