THE BEERS SESSION
Great to see the award winning
O’Donovan’s Off Licence open a
store here in Mayfield.
They are well known for their
big selection of wine but, just to be contrary, my first call was for some cold
beer. And, with courteous and informed help from the staff, I hit the jackpot,
taking home five 50cl bottles of premier continental beer for just €10.00.
I’m not a big fan of wheat beer
but included the Grolsch Weizen, the
best wheat beer of 2007, in my bag. This 5.3% Dutch beer, a cloudy one, is
brewed according to German standards. I made it the first of my tastings and
enjoyed its aromas and taste more than previous wheat beers, though I wouldn’t
want it for a session beer.
Didn't know that it needed a
special pouring technique until I visited the website so maybe the next one
will be even better.
Next up was the Warsteiner Premier
Verum, a German effort with an ABV of 4.8%. This Pilsner was light and tarty
and more my style then the Grolsch.
With a golden colour and a
smooth taste, and well balanced, I had no doubts about opening my bottle of
Budejovicke Pivo 1795. I
like the Czech beers in any case and this, with its Protected Geographical
Indication, is one of the best. The ABV is 4.7%.
Finished off with my old
favourite, the Staropramen Premium Czech Lager with an ABV of 5%. This is widely available
and well worth a try. The brewery says it contains the spirit of Prague. Not
too sure about that but it is smooth and well balanced and I find it easy and pleasant to
drink.
I reckon I’ll be staying with
the Czechs for the time being but I am on the lookout for a local lager. Must
call soon to Bradley Off Licence for advice but, in the meantime, I’m open to
suggestions!
