Discovering the Spirit of Wild Barrel: Champagne Pilsner

When people ask me which beer best captures the spirit of Wild Barrel, I always return to two standout options: our Champagne Pilsner and our House Saison. Today, I’ll focus on the pilsner. This beer was our first barrel-aged release and set the tone for everything we do here in the Noosa Hinterland.

The Idea Behind Champagne Pilsner

From the very beginning, I wanted to create a beer that was both familiar and surprising. My aim was to craft a brew with the historical significance of this classic European style, combined with the complexity of barrel-aged beers. I wanted this beer to shine in the Sunshine Coast's warm, humid weather.

The idea was to develop a light, very dry lager that boasts well-balanced carbonation. I envisioned slight fruity hop notes paired with subtle oak, evoking the essence of champagne. However, I was unsure how to transform that vision into reality.

Ingredients: Pure, Local, and Organic

Quality begins at the source, and I’ve always insisted on using 100% organic grain in all our beers. For the Champagne Pilsner, I selected a unique blend of organic pilsner malt as the backbone. This provides a crisp, clean base that allows the subtleties of the barrel aging to shine.

We include a generous amount of organic raw red wheat, enhancing head retention and body while adding a cereal note that defines the beer’s character. The hop profile is intentionally restrained—just enough Hallertau Blanc hops to contribute gentle bitterness and floral aroma without overpowering the delicate malt and oak notes. This hop variety is renowned for its white wine and champagne-like flavor profile.

Our water is sourced from our own concrete tanks, filtered, and adjusted to achieve the right mineral content. It’s a simple recipe, crafted with time and care.

The Process: Patience in Every Barrel

What distinguishes our Champagne Pilsner from others is the time and attention dedicated to each batch. Every release begins with a small batch brewed on our farm before being transferred to new French oak barrels for aging. This choice is intentional—the tight grain and subtle tannins of French oak add refined structure and a touch of vanilla. This enhances the beer’s natural effervescence and lends it that signature “Champagne” character.

Each batch of Champagne Pilsner develops its unique personality, influenced by the microflora in the barrel and the aging process conditions. It’s a slower, more hands-on method, but this is what allows the beer to develop complex layers. You’ll experience crisp pilsner notes upfront, followed by hints of oak and vanilla, mineral qualities, and a dry, sparkling finish.

Each barrel produces only a few hundred bottles, making every release truly special and limited. I personally taste each batch to determine the optimal bottling time.

A Toast to New Beginnings

Champagne Pilsner was the beer that announced Wild Barrel to the world, holding a special place in my heart. It embodies everything I cherish about brewing: patience, creativity, and profound respect for the land and ingredients.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or new to barrel-aged beers, I hope you find something enjoyable in every bottle. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world to us.

Cheers,

Shane Kent

Co-Founder & Brewer, Wild Barrel

The Experience of Enjoying Craft Beer

Craft beer is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. Each sip tells a story, reflecting the dedication of the brewers and the quality of the ingredients. As you indulge in our Champagne Pilsner, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every release.

Embracing the Craft Beer Community

Our journey wouldn't be the same without the vibrant craft beer community. The conversations, shared experiences, and camaraderie enrich our love for brewing. We invite you to be part of this community, explore different flavors, and share your favorites.

Remember, every bottle you enjoy contributes to the spirit of creativity and exploration in craft brewing. Here's to many more discoveries!

The Future of Wild Barrel

As we move forward, our mission remains the same: to create exceptional beers that capture the essence of our surroundings. We continuously seek new inspirations, techniques, and flavors. We're excited about what's to come and hope you'll join us on this incredible journey.

In every bottle of Champagne Pilsner, you will find a piece of our story. We can't wait to share more of our creations with you.