Beer 33 - Knappstein Reserve Lager.....first time.
I'm confused....is this beer or wine? The stubby tells me this brewery (core business is Winery) is based in the Clare Valley. So I was immediately suspicious. On popping the cap there was an immediate fruity aroma of grapes. And surprisingly....not...it poured and extremely pale colour - a marginally darker hue than white wine.
Easy enough to drink - it just doesn't have the characteristics of beer I've come to expect. I even got Trish to give me a second opinion and she agreed, "Yep, smells like wine"! But as far as wines go - I like it (because I don't like wine at all).
Despite their debateably intelligent and undoubtably successful transition into the beer market - Knappstein should stick to wine....it's obviously their target audience. I've been unable to track down an ingredient list online, but have come across many positive reviews from punters. They're mistaken - calling this one of Australia's best Lagers.....it is quite simply not a lager!!
My rating.....2
Thought for the Day......Cyclone YASI......Oh my GOD. Stay safe in North Qld!!!
Beer 32 - LEFFE BLONDE.....first time.
Quite a fiesty little brew this one! From Belgium, it has a rich history to go with its full body and spicy flavour. Almost a hint of fruit and cloves - but not too acidic. Pours a deep golden honey colour. Tremendous head retention made a pleasant change to some of the sub-standard efforts of a few local microbreweries.
We'll have to revisit this one. It is quite different to many I've tried so far....but not in a bad way. Maybe similar to the Cascade Blonde, although not quite as easy to drink. At 6.6% though it gives you a nice little buzz!
My rating......4
Thought for the Day......Hi carb full strength beer. Ahhh....that's better!!!
Beer 31 - OB O'Brien Pale Ale....first time.....last time
Another Aussie microbrewery. I'll give them credit for making a gluten free product - which is great in theory for some people. But then you do want them to drink it.
I found this to have a very acidic citrus flavour and little or no body. Much in the same vein of apple cider (I used to drink Strongbow). I'm beginning to think that by labelling something an "ALE", a lot of microbreweries feel they're given a license to brew something other than beer. While trying to be creative in the brewing process, some are becoming confused and disorientated
My rating.....1
Thought for the Day.....It's great to be adventurous - but don't get lost in the forrest!
Beer 30 - Cricketers Arms Lager.....first time.
Another local label - this one is from Victoria.
A refreshing drop and it goes down real easy. Pours a nice head, with good lacing on the glass. Interesting sweet aroma, almost a hint of vanilla? Has a strong malty prescence - perhaps a little light on hops.
Not quite up there, but I wouldn't have any trouble drinking this one again.
My rating......4
Thought for the Day.....Nice to be drinking a beer called CRICKETERS while the Aussies knock off England at the Gabba. World Cup here we come....just hope we remember to turn up!!!
Beer 29 - Oranjeboom.....first time
Imported Dutch lager - very dissapointing. Although it had an interesting aroma of oranges, it was very flat and quite bland. Won't be drinking anytime soon.
My rating.....1
Thought for the Day......My wife is half Dutch, my kids are a quarter Dutch (I know - I was always good at complex maths!) So I am interested in all things Dutch......But come on Holland. You've let me down this time!
Beer 28 - MYTHOS Hellenic Lager......first time.
Ho-hum....pretty standard lager. Big name in Greece, although my research suggests that the tourists drink more of it than the Greeks!
Quite a strong aroma is a bit off-putting. It is easy enough to drink but not overly memorable.
My rating.....3
Thought for the Day.....I hope the rediculous decision of supermarkets creates a huge backlash from a united Dairy Industry. ENOUGH!!!
Beer 27 - WINDHOEK LAGER....ok had a few of these before!
Mate from Zimbabwe put me onto this one. From Namibia - but much in the style of a quality German brew (as Namibia was until recent years under German rule).
Pale in colour with a generous head on the pour. Full bodied beer with a nice bitter finish - almost along the line of a good Pilsener.
My rating.....4
Thought for the Day....I have been asked by many "Are you sick of beer yet?". But I must admit, the daily sampling is much easier to maintain than the daily blogging. We're only nearing the end of January!
