Hello, my fellow beer lovers! It's that time of the week again so I hope you're all stocked up and still coherent enough to write about our beloved beers?
My offering today is a beer from my Christmas selection that has been taunting me ever since the fat man left it under the tree. Subconsciously I have been avoiding this particular beer, a bit like when the Mrs suggest a film to go see. Past experience has taught me that it's probably not going to be enjoyable, but there's no way of avoiding it and there's always a slight chance it'll be OK...
The beer in question is one from my favourite brewery, Amundsen, but even those Norweigen beer-gods sometimes throw out the odd curveball.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't choose a fruit-based ale unless it's of the classic citrus variety, which we all know is a flavour combination that goes together like steak and chips(Otherwise known as "fries" to those of you from across the pond).
Now, the last time I tasted one of Amundsen's fruity beverages my reaction went something like this...
...nonetheless, I am fearless in my quest for the perfect beer and armed with an unjustifiable optimism I hope this next attempt won't induce a similar reaction...
Amundsen, you are just full of surprises...
So who would of thunk it? A "Double thick blueberry & coconut milkshake" flavoured beer is actually quite nice! I can't honestly say I noticed any coconut flavour or blueberry for that matter, but there was certainly some kind of generic fruity flavour going on. Maybe it was Snozberry? I just can't tell...
Whatever that flavour was it got the thumbs up from me! And just to prove it, here's a picture of me with an empty glass...
As per usual, this ale packs a punch with an ABV of 7% and although it's quite pricey(£9+), at least it comes in a full-size 500ml can. The colour of this beer wasn't off-putting for me and neither was the smell. Both taste and smell reminded me of a summer cider or a larger-shandy and neither seemed over-powering. The traditional taste of beer was alive and kicking, which is probably what made the difference, and overall this tasted very refreshing. It's not necessarily a beer I would buy again but that isn't to say I'd turn it down if I was offered one down the local micropub.
My conclusion is that this beer has all the natural flavour I'd expect from any Amundsen ale and if you're looking for something different then this one is for you. On a hot summer day, this beer would go down quicker than a NewYork tower block that's been insured for twice its worth.
