Knappstein Reserve Lager (Australia)

www.knappstein.com.au
Knappstein Enterprise Brewery
Knappstein Reserve Lager
5.6% ABV

A sophisticated beer to rival some fine wines?  That is certainly the aim of the Knappstein Enterprise Winery and now also brewery.  In 2006 the brewery re-opened from it's (almost) century long hiatus. 
The people at Knappstein have marketed this beer towards the high end of the beer market.  From it's clean, classy packaging to it's quite high price tag - a four pack is the same price as a decent six pack.

Review

On first pour a perfectly clear, sparkling, amber liquid is present with a bright white head.  There are huge amounts of beautiful floral aromas on the nose and once the beer has time to breathe a little yeast or dough scent coming through.  Sauvin hops are used specifically for their floral characteristics.  On tasting an immediate bitterness is there while the delicate floral; almost citrus flavour slowly comes through.  The beer has a medium body with good bitterness at the end too.

On the whole this is a really good lager and it is a little tricky to score due to the fact that it has excellent lager qualities in it's appearance but also has some quite excellent ale flavour qualities.  It is marketed as a high end lager but competes for taste with some really good ales.

To sum up; I would definitely recommend trying a few as it really does give any pilsner a run for it's money but be warned - it really leaves you wanting more!

Scores: -

Aroma 8/10
Appearance 3/5
Taste 7/10
Palate 4/5
Overall 15.5/20

Total 75%

Rogers Beer (Australia)

www.littlecreatures.com.au
Little Creatures Brewery
Rogers Beer
3.8% ABV

A very clever beer in both the design and the finished product.  In 2001, the Little Creatures Brewery decided to create a beer that was a lighter, easy to drink beer that still had great flavour.

Rogers Beer is named after two of the Rogers that were involved in the creation of the beer - Roger Bussell and Roger Bailey.  Phil Sexton of the Pale Ale fame was also involved in the process.

They blend 5 different malts to create the colour, flavour and also the smoothness on the palate.  They managed to do all of this and still maintained a lower alcohol content making it a ideal for mid week drinking.

 Review

On pouring a clear, quite fizzy liquid is present that has a dark red, amber colour with some minimal froth.  Some nice caramel malt notes on the nose along with that distinct Little Creatures mix of florally hops.  Flavour-wise; a little malt is there with some nutty and caramel flavours.  Very light bodied and smooth makes it very easy to drink.

For a mid-week drink this is perfect, not strong in alcohol but enough flavour to satisfy the majority of real ale lovers.   The lower alcohol content may put some people off but it really is worth trying

Scores: -

Aroma 6/10
Appearance 4/5
Taste 6/10
Palate 4/5
Overall 18/20

Total 76%

Erdinger Weissbier "Pikantus" (Germany)

www.erdinger.de

Privatbrauerei Erdinger Weissbrau

Erdinger Pikantus Dunkler Weizenbock - Strong Wheat Beer

7.3% ABV

1968 was when this beer was first brewed, at the time pale pilsners were the popular drink and the 'Bock' style of beer was seen as an outdated drink.  Erdinger brought back the 'Weizenbock' to shed the old fashioned image and it worked.  A Weizenbock means strong wheat beer and this style of beer is usually brewed to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring time. 

In Germany now Erdinger Pikantus has now become a hugely popular drink and is drunk by both young and old and is brewed all year round.  

 

Review

An off white head sits upon a cloudy dark caramel brown liquid with quite a bit of carbonation.  There is a predominant malt aroma on the nose that is definitely there on the tongue - almost burnt toffee flavours with a hint of alcohol with a slight sweet licorice flavour and bitter to finish.  The palate is quite heavy but probably justifyably so for the amount of alcohol.  

Some great flavours that do really well to disguise the high level of alcohol.  7.3% - quite strong for a mid week drink especially if you start getting in to the swing of things!  Definitely worth checking out.

 

Scores: -

Aroma 6/10

Appearance 4/5

Taste 7/10

Palate 4/5

Overall 15/20

Total 72%