What is a Sunshine Lager?

We've been brewing it for years, and every spring, it's a moment to look forward to: Zonnesteek Sunshine Lager. But where does the name Sunshine Lager actually come from?

The beer world has an endless variety of styles, from classic pilsners to distinctive IPAs and everything in between. Yet, Zonnesteek didn't quite fit into an existing category. It's a lager, but not a standard lager. The American hops give it a tropical and citrusy character, while the caramelised malt provides a warm, golden-orange colour. We wanted to capture that sunny, fresh, yet characterful feeling in a style.

That's how Sunshine Lager was born. A beer that celebrates the transition from winter to spring. The first sun on your face, going outside without a jacket, that fresh air filling your lungs—that's what you taste in every sip of Zonnesteek.

What is a Sunshine Lager?

Lager is a bottom-fermented beer. This means that the yeast works at low temperatures, resulting in a fresh and drinkable taste. Most people know lagers from pilsners, but much more is possible within this category. Zonnesteek is brewed as a drinkable, fresh lager with an extra sunny character. This is due to a combination of carefully selected malt and aromatic hops that give the beer a tropical, citrusy twist. No heavy flavours, no excessive bitterness, but precisely the balance you expect from a refreshing spring beer.

Caramelised Malt

Malt is the base of every beer, but not all malt is the same. Caramelised malt is made by heating the malt grains during kilning (the drying process), causing the natural sugars in the grain to caramelise. This process is similar to making caramel in the kitchen: heat creates deeper, sweeter flavours and a richer colour.

In Zonnesteek, this malt provides a deep orange-golden colour and a light, subtle caramel tone. It's not an overpowering sweetness, but a soft background that gives the beer more depth. This better balances the fresh hop. The result? A beer that not only tastes sunny but also looks it.

American Hops

The hop choice is crucial for the character of a beer. For Zonnesteek, this year we chose Columbus, Mosaic, and Idaho 7, three American hop varieties that perfectly match the sunny, fresh profile of the Sunshine Lager.

• Columbus – Spicy and resinous, giving the beer a solid backbone.
• Mosaic – Tropical fruit, citrus, and a hint of berries, for an exotic twist.
• Idaho 7 – Mango, pine, and a fresh bitterness that lingers.

These hops make Zonnesteek a thirst-quenching beer with a distinct but not overpowering character. Tropical fruit, citrus, and a light resinousness create a refreshing taste that perfectly suits the first sunny days of the year.

When to drink Zonnesteek?

As soon as the first sunbeams break through and you feel the doubt: winter coat on or go outside without one? That's the moment for Zonnesteek. This is a beer for spring days, for that first beer in the garden, for the first barbecue, or simply when you fancy something fresh with a bit more depth. Plus, you can still enjoy it wonderfully during an afternoon at the beach in the middle of summer!

How does Zonnesteek taste?

Let's be specific. This is what you can expect with the first sip:

• Citrus – The scent of orange peel and grapefruit.
• Tropical fruit – Mango, pineapple, and passion fruit, soft and fresh.
• Resinous – A light pine-like bitterness for balance.
• Fresh and bitter – Thirst-quenching, with a refined bitterness in the aftertaste.

Zonnesteek is fresh, hoppy, and approachable, but never boring. The subtle malt base, tropical hop kick, and slightly bitter finish make this a beer you'll want another of immediately after the first sip.

Time for a Zonnesteek

Zonnesteek has been brewed again and is ready to kick off spring. So leave winter behind, crack open a cold can, and celebrate the first sunbeams. Order it now and enjoy!