Why Water Makes the Lager
You’re at your local brewery, surrounded by the rich aromas of hops and malt, discussing your favorite styles and flavor profiles. Yet, how often do you stop to consider the ingredient that makes up to 95% of what’s in your glass? Water is the most crucial—and yet most overlooked—beer ingredient.
Just like hops, yeast, and malt, water is key to a beer’s identity and flavor. Lagers, in particular, boast a rich brewing heritage with unique styles defined by their local water sources. For example, the classic Pilsner originated in Pilsen, Czech Republic thanks to the naturally soft water, whereas the slightly caramelized malt flavors characteristic of Vienna style lagers benefit from water containing more calcium. But in addition to minerals, water can also collect pollutants that must be treated before brewing, a process that can be costly and alter flavor. Healthy ecosystems act as a natural filtration system that protects water quality while preserving unique flavor profiles crucial for brewing great beer.
What better way to celebrate the vital connection between healthy watersheds and the clean water they provide than by hosting a beer festival dedicated to lagers? At least, that’s what David Skiba, co-founder and head brewer of No Boat Brewing, envisioned: “Last year’s inaugural Lagerhead was the culmination of a years-long vision, with Washington Wild’s Brewshed® Alliance immediately emerging as the ideal partner to throw a lager-centric festival celebrating our industry, community, quality beer, and environmental stewardship.”
Located in Snoqualmie, No Boat’s lush beer garden, mountain views, and proximity to the Snoqualmie River create the perfect backdrop for Lagerhead. Skiba shares, “at No Boat, we are fortunate enough to look out our garage doors and see the source of our water, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which Washington Wild worked to protect. This water is key to our ability to be a minimum-intervention brewhouse when it comes to our water profile, contributing to the unique terroir of our beer.”
Boasting an epic lineup of over 25 breweries, food trucks, flash tattoos, music, and raffle prizes, the inaugural Lagerhead Beer Fest raised $7,800 in support of the WA Brewshed®’s mission to protect watershed health from peak to pint. After last year’s success, we’re excited to announce that Lagerhead is back again and bigger than ever! Join us on Saturday, July 19th, and get ready for the can’t-miss summer event for beer lovers, conservation advocates, and outdoor adventurers alike.
BUY YOUR LAGERHEAD 2025 TICKETS TODAY!
