DD4D Lager is a 5% German pilsner from DD4D Brewing, based in Ehime, in Shikoku, Japan. It’s part of their regular lineup, and can be found in both bottles and on tap, though the latter is quite hard to find it seems. Though it is styled as a German pilsner, it doesn’t use all-German ingredients with DD4D Lager being hopped with Mt. Hood hops from the USA.
DD4D Lager Aroma and Taste
DD4D Lager poured out a hazy amber orange colour – not what your typical German pilsner looks like – and that was just the start of the problems with this beer. The colour for a German Pilsner should have been a warning sign that something wasn’t quite right and the weird musty hoppy aroma coming of was another warning sign. The slightly higher than expected sulphide nose to DD4D Lager was the final warning sign. I was hoping for something close to a German pilsner but the aromas really didn’t fit in with the style.
The lack of noble hop aroma from a hop that is known for producing noble hop aroma was quite a quandary to be put into. There was a distinct sweetness to DD4D Lager that lined up with the style, but that same musty and sulphide aroma was present in the nose, had made its way into the body too. It didn’t stop DD4D Lager from being drinkable, but it was noticeable throughout drinking, and into the aftertaste.
DD4D Lager The Bottom Line
The unusual musty taste could have been from the hops, but if you’re going to make a craft lager, it HAS to be better than the macros, and DD4D Lager isn’t.
Where to Buy DD4D Lager
DD4D Lager can be bought online at the following places:
