Archive for March, 2008

The Brunette

Monday, March 31st, 2008

I have heard of beers having high alcohol contents but when you really want them they are generally not readily available and this is true for this particular beer. Brewed and bottled in Italy by the Amarcord Company and currently imported into Australia by the Combined Wine & Foods Company, The Brunette is a double brown ale that is dubbed by its creators as a unique handcrafted designer beer. It has a cloudy amber appearance traditional to most ales and has a sickly sweet almost fruity aroma. The taste is without a doubt unique and one that you should try yourself to really appreciate it but basically it’s a strong, sweet fruity taste that leaves your mouth tingling with an after taste of malt.

Amarcord

It was only recently that I had the chance to sample this brew at an Italian restaurant called La Porchetta. It went very nicely with the oversized Chicken Parmigana that I ordered. The beer has an alcohol rating of 10% and comes in a 500ml bottle which contains approximately 4 standard drinks. It may sound pretty awesome but don’t get too excited because here are two reasons not to:

  1. A bottle of this beer from La Porchetta will cost you $12 and
  2. Since trying this beer I have been to both Dan Murphy’s and 1st Choice and have been unable to find it at either store.

Trivial things aside this beer is not only unique in taste but also in its surroundings. As you can see in the image below it comes in what I can only describe as an old school rubber stopper top bottle, which can easily be reused at a later stage. On the bottle below where it says La Tabachéra the Australian version says The Brunette.

The Brunette

The Brunette makes good on its promise as a unique handcrafted designer beer but unfortunately due to its cost and unavailability at abundant liquor stores, most people may not have the chance to experience this exclusive Italian beer.

Rating (out of five):

Quick Facts : 10.0% alcohol – 500ml brown bottle – Rubber stopper top

| Posted in Ale, Beer Reviews | 1 Comment »

Oettinger Pils

Tuesday, March 11th, 2008

Here is another classic German pilsner but with a twist, the price! Fully imported from the Oettinger group of breweries in Germany, a carton of this beer will currently set you back $29.90 from Dan Murphy’s. Similar to other German beers it is brewed in accordance with the German purity law of 1516 and as you would know this means no nasty hangovers the next morning.

Oettinger Beers

At first glance all signs point to the fact this is a budget beer, the bottle labels are bland, the bottle cap has no markings, and the ‘carton’ isn’t really a carton but four 6-packs shrink wrapped together, but for $29.90 a carton who really cares.  It also comes in a 6-pack of silver 500ml cans.  Fist appearances aside this beer has a dry bitter taste. The hops bitterness is not overpowering in any way but makes itself noticed. Much like other pilsners it has a sweet aroma and a pale yellow appearance.

Oettinger Pils

Oettinger Pils is an above average cheap beer. If you’re after an inexpensive night of drinking and one that won’t leave you with a throbbing head the morning after you should give this understated beer a go.

Rating (out of five):

Quick Facts : 4.7% alcohol – 330ml amber bottle & 500ml can – Pop top

| Posted in Beer Reviews, Pilsner | 81 Comments »

Holsten Premium

Monday, March 3rd, 2008

Holsten Premium is a lager that is brewed and bottled in the northern German port city of Hamburg by the Holsten Brauerei AG. Created from a masterful slow brewing process in Germany this beer is imported into Australia by McWilliam’s Wines.

hb

Having a sweet taste and smell makes this beer appealing. When served cold it goes down smoother than a bald scalp and leaves your taste buds feeling refreshed and wanting more. Most of this would have a lot to do with the beer being brewed in strict accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516. The law stipulates in no uncertain terms that all ingredients used in the brewing process are natural and that no chemical additives or preservatives are permitted. This fortunately for us makes for a very smooth tasting beer and one that does not leave you with a head full of nails the morning after.

Holsten Beer

The downside of this beer is that it is not readily available in most pubs and clubs but you can purchase it from your local 1st Choice or Dan Murphy’s. If you’re after a relaxed night in and want a smooth beer that goes down well time after time, Holsten Premium is the beer for you.

Rating (out of five):

Quick Facts : 5.0% alcohol – 330ml green bottle – Pop top

| Posted in Beer Reviews, Lager | 1 Comment »