Our FIRST Permanent Tap: Rattenhund by Hop Nation

Our regulars have probably realised that we've been (almost) non-stop pouring the delicious "Rattenhund" German Pils by Hop Nation for the last few months. We're clearly massive fans of it here at Carwyn Cellars - so much so, that we've decided to make this full-flavoured pilsner has our FIRST EVER PERMANENT TAP!

To be honest, besides being a consistently great quality beer, it’s our first permanent tap for selfish reasons as well. Rattenhund has become a favourite and our staff insist on having it as a knock-off every day! Give the people what they want we say. And it's not just our seasoned staff who are loving Rattenhund, this beer won the AIBA's Best Pilsner 2021 trophy. As a beer Hop Nation tout as "The beer no one asked us to make, but our brewers knew we all needed." we're thankful, all day every day, that this beer now graces our halls.

Traditionally brewed using Floor Malted Bohemian Pilsner Malt, partnered with Saaz and Spalt Select hops. Rattenhund has been fermented with Bluestone Pilsen strain, before an eight-week extended lagering. But more importantly, how does it taste? Golden in colour with a creamy white head, bready malt character with a bitter backbone from the hops that impart floral and grassy notes with mild citrus nuances. Finishes dry with a mild lingering bitterness that just makes you want another (and another) sip. Yum.

And the experience only gets better as these legends have provided a LUKR side-pull tap to enhance the beautiful creamy mouthfeel and flavour of this wonderful brew...

What is a Side-Pull Tap?

These types of beer taps are quite common in Czech Republic, the country responsible for the beloved Bohemian Pilsner that gave way to many other beer styles down the line. Side-pull taps are famous over there, with beer lovers finding themselves fascinated by the delicate texture and character the side-pull provides. Different to regular beer taps, the spout gets fully submerged in the beer to control the flow and foam as you pour it, giving plenty of possibilities on how much foam you like on your beer. Believe us, the extra foam is really worth a taste! just ask any Czech beer lover!

Hop Nation's co-founder Duncan Gibson, in an interview with The Crafty Pint, mentions his fascination with these taps while travelling throughout Europe. The characteristics offered by these taps, with the ability to control foam levels, a softer head and protection of the beer under the foam, seemed perfect for the award-winning pils: “What we’ve tried to do with Rattenhund from the start is elevate lager to another level, and this is another way you can help elevate the product”.

Come get the full Ratdog experience - pouring daily!