Galway Bay "Figo" Italian Pilsner

Crisp, clean and delicately floral Italian-style lager.
Figo is Galway Bay Brewery's take on the Italian Pilsner, a style that has become increasingly popular for its combination of the clean, refreshing character of a classic pilsner with a more pronounced hop aroma. Brewed in Galway with German Pilsner malt, Galway water and aromatic French Strisselspalt hops, Figo comes in at a highly approachable 4.5% ABV. The result is a beautifully crisp lager with soft bready malt, delicate floral hops and an exceptionally smooth finish.

The style itself originated as a more expressive interpretation of German pilsner brewing, with later hop additions used to give the beer greater aroma and a softer, more floral character. Galway Bay discovered the style through trips to Italy and developed Figo as their own tribute, specifically designing the recipe with Irish drinkers in mind. The brewery then gives the beer an extended lagering period of more than 30 days, helping to produce the clean, polished finish that defines the beer.

In the glass, Figo is bright golden and brilliantly clear, with a fine white head. The aroma is subtle rather than explosive, bringing fresh grain, delicate flowers and a gentle herbal hop character. On the palate, the German Pilsner malt provides a soft, lightly bready foundation, while the late hop additions add just enough floral freshness to lift the beer. There is a gentle bitterness through the finish, but it remains balanced and refreshing rather than sharp.

What makes Figo particularly appealing is its restraint. This is not a pilsner trying to reinvent lager with excessive hops or unusual flavours; instead, it takes a very clean and familiar foundation and gives it just a little more aromatic character. At 4.5% ABV, it is light enough for easy drinking, yet the extended lagering and careful hopping give it considerably more polish than a standard commercial lager.

For anyone exploring Irish craft beer beyond the usual pale ales and IPAs, Figo is a particularly useful change of pace. It demonstrates that craft brewing can be just as much about precision and subtlety as it is about big flavours. Served properly chilled, the combination of crisp malt, gentle floral hops and smooth carbonation makes this an excellent beer for sunny afternoons, casual meals or simply keeping a few cans cold in the fridge.

Why we love it:
Figo is a lovely reminder that a great lager does not need to be complicated. The soft bready malt, delicate floral hops and exceptionally clean finish give it plenty of character while keeping it wonderfully refreshing. A very polished Italian-style pilsner that is easy to enjoy from the first sip to the last.