Something a bit different today – a review of six beers from Australia and overseas in a lockdown special post.
Yep, the things people get up to during lockdown…
Several weeks ago my workmates kindly send me a gift set of six beers for my birthday, and I’ve decided to review them here. Cheers to that! (Please drink responsibly).
- Asahi Super Dry 330mL 5.0% ABV (Asahi Breweries, Japan)
- Budweiser 330mL 4.5% ABV (Anheuser-Busch Inc., US)
- Cascade Pale Ale 375mL 5.0% ABV (Cascade Brewery)
- Corona Extra 355mL 4.5% ABV (Cerveceria Modelo, Mexico)
- Crown Lager 375mL 4.9% ABV (Carlton & United Breweries)
- Redback Beer 345mL 4.7% ABV (Matilda Bay Brewery)
Asahi Super Dry: Originally launched in 1987, this beer transformed the Japanese beer industry and quickly became the nation’s most popular beer, with the company branding it ‘Japan’s No. 1’ . It has a cool, strong and refreshing taste with just a tiny hint of bitterness. There is a strong aftertaste of the malt and and yeast. I can definitely see why this is popular across Asia. Somewhat disappointed this is brewed in Australia though and not imported from Japan. 8/10.
Budweiser: One of America’s most famous and popular beers, they adopted the slogan ‘King of Beers’ for their brand. A high standard then, perhaps… This was my first time trying a Budweiser and unfortunately it was a disappointment. The beer was distinctly lacking in flavour and taste, and was honestly a tad bland. Perhaps this was due to it being brewed here locally rather than in the US, but for my money’s worth I’d much rather buy something else. Hopefully I’ll get to taste the original US brewed beer one day. 3/10.
Cascade Pale Ale: The Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest operating brewery, having being based in Hobart, Tasmania since 1824. The pale ale is one of Australia’s finest and is bursting with sweet fruity malt flavours and a tiny hint of bitterness. The head and cream is also excellent with a great and rich aftertaste. This is truly one of Australia’s (and Tasmania’s) great and most underrated beers. It is a shame that it is almost impossible to find outside Tasmania. 9/10.
Corona Extra: A beer that needs no introduction. I wasn’t the biggest fan of this several years ago during my uni days but its grown on me as I’ve grown older. A strong, crisp refreshing taste makes this a favourite across the world, especially in the Americas. Excellent served with a lime. It truly is ‘la cerveza mas fina’ (the finest beer). 7/10 (without lime).
Crown Lager: The story goes that Crown Lager was originally launched in 1954 to mark the Queen’s Royal Visit to Australia. Whatever the case, this beer has an excellent, rich taste fit for a king. Fantastic unique bottle shape and marketing too. Highly recommended in Australia. 9/10.
Redback Beer: Out of the 6 beers in this set this was the only one I hadn’t heard of before. Originally brewed in 1988 this was one of Australia’s first craft beers and was launched in Fremantle, WA. This one is a wheat beer based on traditional German wheat beer recipes. The flavour and aftertaste is strong and rich, with the wheat taste noticeable. There is also an excellent cream and head. This would be a fantastic drink with mates on a hot summers day. Unfortunately this is a hard one to find in Australia outside Western Australia but if you can get your hands on one it’s highly recommended. 8/10.
Favourite beer: Cascade Pale Ale.
Andrew Reviews 