Archive for October, 2007

Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Thursday, October 18th, 2007

Peroni, a beer or a fashion statement? You make your own mind up.

Watch the official Peroni TV advert below to help you decide.

This beer is something special. The first glass I poured for this review could have easily been mistaken for a glass of champagne had it not been poured into a pilsner glass. The beers colour is probably one of the lightest shades of yellow I have ever seen. It’s taste starts off bitter and dry and then transitions into a slightly fruity aftertaste. There isn’t much of a beer smell other than that given off by the hops. Peroni makes for an easy drinking beer.

Peroni

Launched in 1964, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a premium lager that is brewed and bottled in Italy. It is fully imported into Australia and can be found easily at most bottle shops and bars. As you can see from the TV ad above, Peroni is marketed as more than just a beer – it’s an icon. The beer was born out of the same inherent cultural beliefs that were depicted in Federico Fellini’s film La Dolce Vita, which has been recreated in the above TV advertisement. Peroni’s creators were more than happy to pay homage to Fellini’s great film.

La Dolce Vita is an Italian classic and so is this.

Rating (out of five):

Quick Facts : 5.1% alcohol – 330ml green bottle – Pop top

| Posted in Beer Reviews, Lager | 3 Comments »

James Boag’s Wizard Smith’s Ale

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007

From the outset, James Boag’s has prided itself on being one of Australia’s premier brewers for over 150 years, and this particular product is no exception. James Boag’s Wizard Smith’s Ale is an impeccable brew and shouts nothing but pride to the brew masters at Tasmania’s finest Brewery.

Wizard Smith’s Ale

A limited edition brew, Wizard Smith’s is a ‘traditional English ale’, encapsulating the method and history of ‘pale ale’ brewing. Using ‘full malt brew dry hopped with East Kent Goldings’, the brew encompasses all you would expect from a traditional English ale. Do not be fooled by this though, this amazing beverage is as Australian as a meat pie. The synchronization of the taste of English ale with that of having that distinct Australian, Boag’s taste is amazing.  As with many boutique beers, there is an interesting history. “In 1929 the Great Flood swamped much of Launceston without warning. Wizard Smith, J. Boag & Son’s drayman, at great risk to himself sought to save the brewery horses. Riding his pushbike until he could go no further, he plunged into the rising floodwaters and swam into the stables, successfully leading the horses to dry ground. For his bravery Wizard was rewarded with a job for life”.

The seamless marriages of flavour in the beer aren’t what you would expect; sweetness and bitterness walk hand in hand. Fruity and spicy aromas compliment each other with the greatest of ease. The flavour is an incredibly complex one, but the perfect balance of these flavours has completed this as a superb boutique beer, but this blend has the makings for an easy-enough-to-drink session beer as well. Its pleasant aftertaste lingers in your mouth, and the aromatics tease your nose long after the drink has been taken.

The most unfortunate thing about this beer is the fact that it is only a Limited Edition. Currently, I have only seen it at 1st Choice or Dan Murphy’s Liquor barns, clocking in at around $16.99 per six pack, or just over $60 for a carton. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. This beer is worth finding.  Well done, James Boag’s.

Rating (out of five):

Quick Facts : 5.0% alcohol – 375ml amber bottle – Twist top

| Posted in Ale, Beer Reviews | 3 Comments »

Beer Festival @ 1st Choice

Thursday, October 4th, 2007

This Saturday the 6th, 1st Choice is having a Beer Festival!

1st Choice

Beerworld and 1st Choice are hosting a beer tasting event between 2-6pm with beers from all over the world and all participants will receive a free beer glass. There will also be great giveaways and if you purchase a six-pack on the day you will get a free Beerworld enviro bag and have the chance to win a Beerworld fridge. Not only is there all this beer goodness but there are going to be cheap prices on beer there all day! For more details check here

I hope everyone gives this event a go cause I know I will.

| Posted in Beer Reviews | No Comments »