Around the World in Six Beers

Not far from where I live a store named “Total Wine” recently opened.  I’m not really into wine (or alcohol in general, for that matter) although I do enjoy a good beer on occasion. 

 A few months ago I went there to pick up a nice bottle of wine for my boss’s wedding gift, and found out that they not only carried wine (although that was probably 75% of their inventory) but they also carried beer.  Lots of it.  Unique beers too, in 6-packs and single bottles.  Single bottles are great if you just want to try a new brew without committing to a whole 6-pack of something that might be nasty at the first sip.

 So I decided to put together my own variety pack of beers, mostly lagers, from around the world.  I’m partial to lagers.  I know this not because of a specific beer I have drank all my life (like I said, I really don’t drink) but rather that I always tried a new beer every time I had a chance.  It just so happens that, of beers that are readily available in your average grocery store, most of my favorites happen to be lagers – Dos Equis (Mexico), Yuengling (Pennsylvania), and Moosehead (Canada), among others.

Here’s a rundown of the individual beers I purchased, for your enjoyment, but also for my records.  This way, if one of them blows my socks off, I can remember the name!  I’ll update this post as I try each beer so you can have my personal review.

	#1 – Castle Lager, South Africa.  This one really surprised me – like I said, I usually like lagers, so I know in general what to expect – but being that I bought all these beers tonight, none of which were refrigerated, I did my best to cool this one down quickly before trying to drink it. Upon my first sip I realized it wasn’t as cold as I had hoped, however, the taste was great.  Usually beer that’s not quite cold enough is kind of gross, but I’ve been nursing this drink for a good 30 minutes and, despite not being cold enough to start off, has maintained a smooth, consistent flavor.  No kidding – I can honestly say that I would drink this beer at room temperature – a first for me.  Many beers just start to turn after warming a few degrees.  I have to hand it to S.A. Breweries, this beer stays true to it’s slogan – “Brewed in Perfect Balance”.  I couldn’t have described it better myself.
	#2 – Kingfisher Premium Lager, Bangalore, India.  This one has a bite not unlike a St Pauli Girl or Heineken.  Unfortunately, I’m not too find of that slightly sharp, bitter initial flavor that these kind of beers have – it reminds me too much of skunked beer.  In fact, this was the only one that was in a green bottle, and if the rumor holds true, that may very well be the case.  I’ll have to try it again some day to be sure.  Overall, nothing special in my opinion.  My least favorite so far, but again, it might have been skunked.
	#3 – Blackthorn Fermented Cider, Somerset, England.  Most cider drinks I’ve had have been quite crisp and bubbly, similar to a soda almost.  I was surprised that this cider was velvety smooth.  It actually had a slight vinegar taste, but it was sweet, not bitter, and it enhanced the flavor.  Very drinkable cider.  Although many ciders are similar in taste, this was entirely different from my favorite cider, Woodchuck Cider of Vermont.
	#4 – Klaster Traditional Lager, Czech Republic.  A very tasty brew.  I had to try it due to my heritage.  It was very smooth (I know, I’m over-using that word, but I can’t help it — in comparison, most beers you can buy at the store are simply not this smooth.)  In general, these foreign beers seem less carbonated than their american counterparts.  What I liked best about this beer which makes it truly unique is that it has a surprise ending!  No, not like a worm in the tequila bottle.  When this beer first goes into your mouth, it tastes pretty much like a traditional lager, but as soon as you swallow you get a brief, flavorful end-note.  I can’t tell if it was nutty or like a wood-flavor, but it was good, and didn’t linger.  If you’ve had Sierra-Nevada Pale Ale, you know this phenomenon, however Seirra-Nevada’s end-note is a little sharp and lingers a bit longer than this one.  In all, a tasty, interesting beverage.

* * * Coming Soon * * *

Okocim, Poland

Harbin Lager, China