Taste test: We rate 10 new beers that you need to try
King’s Black Label premium pilsner: “It has some malt notes and some hop notes, probably some European or Continental variety. Though the nose of the beer is a little off, it is quite fresh.”
Alcohol percentage: 4.8
Price: Rs 90
Verdict: Clean Indian lager, better than Kingfisher.
Hollandia: “This is a boring lager. It can be called drinkable booze. Though it is similar to King’s, it is quite aged. So, I’d rather buy King’s.”
Alcohol percentage: 4.7
Price: Rs 300
Verdict: Aged, imported version of King’s.
Charger Strong Lager: “It has a nice head, even with the ageing, but smells very alcoholic. Too much alcohol can make beers bitter. This one is probably made with a lot of sugar, and less malt — which makes it heavy.”
Alcohol percentage: 8
Price: Rs 215
Verdict: Go for this beer if you want to get drunk for cheap.
Paulaner Salvator: “This one has a fantastic nose of roasted malts. The texture is also quite thick, so it’s best to savour it like whisky. This one’s my favourite among all the lagers.”
Alcohol percentage: 7.9
Price: Rs 330
Verdict: Not for a hot summer day, but perfect for a winter evening.
Brilliant Ale, Shepherd Neame : “This golden ale has plenty of of honey notes. It has fruits like berries, on the nose. Though it is a little aged, the hops can be tasted on the palate.”
Alcohol percentage: 5.6
Price: Rs 345
Verdict: Slightly alcoholic, but has good fruity taste.
Master Brew Kentish Ale, Shepherd Neame : “It has nice notes of caramelised and roasted malts. Though very complex, it has that slight bitter kick.”
Alcohol percentage: 4
Price: Rs 320
Verdict: An easy, drinking session ale.
Saint’s Wheat Beer : “The nose is very unimpressive. There are no bananas or cloves as promised on the label. Right now, it tastes like an aged lager.”
Alcohol percentage: 4.7
Price: Rs 400
Verdict: This one is a big disappointment for the price.
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