Last night I ventured out in search of Portuguese Craft Beer in Lisbon. It’s a relatively new concept here but Norman Browne, a regular visitor to these shores, had given me a few tips. My destination was Duque Brewpub, which Facebook had told me was launching a new beer called: Look, I’m Your Lager. Now I wasn’t overly excited about a lager but thought, sure I’m here, may as well pop along. I’m very glad I did.
This isn’t your standard issue lager, I’d had enough of that already. ( half a pint!) Instead Look, I’m Your Lager is an 8.5% whopper of an Imperial India Pale Lager. I had it on draught and it was super fresh and tongue strippingly bitter, and that’s a good thing! Clocking in at a huge 100 IBUs, there’s no messing around with this beer. It’s the result of a collaborative effort by the Aroiera and Bolina breweries. Gorgeous stuff.
While I was there is also had Post Scriptum’s rather good Black IPA but forgot to take a picture, so it probably didn’t really happen.
One of the first beers to be brewed on the kit in the pub is Taborda, a Belgian Style Brown which is very fruity, it has a similar aroma to a Hefe, lots of banana and some cloves. It’s also 8% but you’d never know it. Delicious.
Pedro, one of the brewers gave me the grand tour. He was flat out bringing people out to look at the kit but was very accommodating and happy to answer any questions.
I finished off my night with Dois Corvos Finisterra, an Imperial Porter. This one is smoky, rich and malty. Another strong one at 8.5% I’m glad this morning I stuck with 20 cl glasses. I also brought two bottles from their selection back for the fridge in the apartment. If you’re in Portugal and you think you’d like to try some ‘Cerveja Artesenal’ you really should check out the Duque Brewpub. Sláinte!