Beer thread

Chris B.

In the ongoing search for drinkable light beers, I found some Namibian Windhoek light in the supermarket the other day. It had that hollow, metallic, pisswater taste that many light beers seem to have. I can't recommend it. 
 
I did, however, have some draught Bays Light Ale when out at dinner the other night and it seemed very good for light beer. But, I may just have been thirsty. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> 
 
I'll have to find it in bottles and see whether it stands up. 
 
[URL]http://baysbrewery.co.nz/beer.html[/URL]

Tim

[quote name='Chris B.']In the ongoing search for drinkable light beers, I found some Namibian Windhoek light in the supermarket the other day. It had that hollow, metallic, pisswater taste that many light beers seem to have. I can't recommend it. 
 
I did, however, have some draught Bays Light Ale when out at dinner the other night and it seemed very good for light beer. But, I may just have been thirsty. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> 
 
I'll have to find it in bottles and see whether it stands up. 
 
[URL]http://baysbrewery.co.nz/beer.html[/URL][/QUOTE] 
 
Pilsner Urquell (when it's absolutely fresh) is about the lightest good beer I drink. Some of the Helles style can be good too, but supply is unreliable. A good KÃ¶lsch might be just want you want, but again freshness is important and supply is typically unreliable.

Crucial

I have heard good reports about "two stoke" 2% from Stoke but yet to try it. 
 
Fully brewed with some alc removed afterward 
 
Might try some if I can find it.

taniwharugby

the only low alcohol I 'drink' is Amstel Light, but I might add, I tend not to drink light beer as most of it has that shitty tatse chris mentions above. 
 
I'd prefer a low carb option than a low alcohol one, but I drink to enjoy, so am not too fussed about the alcohol or carbs content <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />

Chris B.

Pilsner Urquell is still 4.5-5% though isn't it? Getting it fresh in Nelson seems unlikely. I too usually go with the Amstel light. 
 
What I'm really looking for is something no more than 2.5% that you can drink a six pack at a BBQ and happily and legally drive home afterwards. 
 
I've picked up a six pack of 2 Stoke, Crucial. My first mouthful, I thought, "shit this is pretty good", but as I got into the bottle you certainly knew you were drinking a light beer. It's drinkable and certainly not bad for a light beer, but really comes across as hop flavoured water. Maybe it's impossible to make a low alcohol beer with any body?

Tim

Think it's 4.4%, so definitely too high for driving requirements.

Allstar

[quote name='Tim']A good KÃ¶lsch might be just want you want, but again freshness is important and supply is typically unreliable.[/QUOTE] 
 
You've found German KÃ¶lsch in New Zealand?? I have never seen any. I'd love to be able to find Hannen or Diebels Alt Bier in New Zealand, but I don't fancy my chances. 
 
Had a curry out west Auckland last night, and tried Haywards 5000. I really quite liked it, it went well with the food, and also had a bit of a kick to it (probably because it was 7% alcohol <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />) [url]http://www.sabmiller.in/brands_haywards_5000.html[/url]

Tim

[quote name='Allstar'][B]You've found German KÃ¶lsch in New Zealand??[/B] I have never seen any. I'd love to be able to find Hannen or Diebels Alt Bier in New Zealand, but I don't fancy my chances. 
 
Had a curry out west Auckland last night, and tried Haywards 5000. I really quite liked it, it went well with the food, and also had a bit of a kick to it (probably because it was 7% alcohol <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />) [URL]http://www.sabmiller.in/brands_haywards_5000.html[/URL][/QUOTE] 
 
Sadly no. It can be tough to get even in Denmark or the UK. Easy to find in NYC for some reason though.

Allstar

tried a couple of sips of 2 Stoke last night, for low alcohol beer, it isn't too bad. Still tastes bland compared to real beer though, maybe they could try and make it a bit 'hoppier' 
 
[quote name='Tim']Sadly no. It can be tough to get even in Denmark or the UK. Easy to find in NYC for some reason though.[/QUOTE] 
 
oops, didn't read your location properly. 
 
yeah, the last place I drank KÃ¶lsch was in New York in 2010.

Crucial

Further 2 Stoke report. 
 
Had a couple last night as I was driving and was quite happy to buy the second. Low alc beer will never have the same taste because of the lack of esters etc and I suspect that over hopping may not work as the balance wouldn't be there. 
Overall though, if I had to drink some or take a pack to a party I would be happy with the Stoke offering. 
 
Also supping on Croucher Pilsner straight off the ice at the moment. Very nice and the NZ hops hold up to the chilling. 
 
Mata's version of a Hoegaarden was on tap at the Waipu Pizza Barn and was very tasty.

Hooroo

My mate has started making Home brew in his Man Room and has made about 600 litres of different beers and by goodness can he make some crackers. Really tasty and easy to drink. He has had a couple of failures but in general, as good as you can buy. 
 
It may be becasuse of his water supply as he is a dairy farmer

Chris B.

I've bought a second six pack of 2 Stoke and put it in the fridge - so that has to tell me something. I also bought a six pack of Boundary Road Bouncing Czech pilsener, of which I drank one the other night and thought it was very nice. Needs more sampling yet though. 
 
I also had an Emersons Bookbinder at a cafe yesterday, which seemed bloody great, but I had just completed a brutal MTB ride and was possibly near death - I suspect a Lion red with a dash of cat piss added would have seemed pretty good. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Allstar

Epic have two newish beers out at the moment. Larger and Flying Nun 30th Anniversary 
 
The Larger is 8.5% but still very lagery tasting. This meant that it did hit me about half way through the bottle. Nice drop though. 
 
Flying Nun wasn't too bad either, it wasn't as great though. I have high expectations of Epic beers now. 
 
Does anyone else use Untappd?? I'm on there, it's quite fun.

Paekakboyz

[url="http://garageproject.co.nz/BEERS"]http://garageproject.co.nz/BEERS[/url] 
 
Some awesome beers! Tastes like war!!

nostrildamus

[url="http://www.travelindex.co.nz/westcoast/pubs/mahinapua.htm"]http://www.travelindex.co.nz/westcoast/pubs/mahinapua.htm[/url] 
do they sell hookers ale anywhere else? I am a fan!

nostrildamus

[url="http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/36299/season-low-alcohol-beers"]http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/36299/season-low-alcohol-beers[/url] 
for Chris B, it may be a little out of date though. 
According to the article you should stick to 2.5%, below that, it is basically water. 
Oh and Stoke is at Glengarrys [url="http://www.glengarrywines.co.nz/lowalcohol.jsp"]http://www.glengarrywines.co.nz/lowalcohol.jsp[/url] 
According to Beer awards, the "Champion Reduced & Low Alcohol Beer" for 2010 was Redoak Bitter from NSW.[url="http://www.beerawards.com/pdfs/2010_AIBA_Winners_Announcement_Release.pdf"]http://www.beerawards.com/pdfs/2010_AIBA_Winners_Announcement_Release.pdf[/url]

Chris B.

Thanks nostril - that ODT article is a good summary. 
 
Didn't realise the Bookbinder was only 3.5% - will have to try it again. Haven't come across Harry's Light.

Crucial

Bookbinder is a good one to remember, especially for a lunctime meal when travelling. One bottle at 500ml and 3.5% with food is a good 'safe' amount for driving afterwards. Nice beer too, goes well with food. 
I have seen a few places that have realised this and promote it as a lower alcohol option on their menu.

nostrildamus

[quote name='Chris B.' timestamp='1337047182' post='286166'] 
Thanks nostril - that ODT article is a good summary. 
 
Didn't realise the Bookbinder was only 3.5% - will have to try it again. Haven't come across Harry's Light. 
[/quote] 
Chris B, I had your problem (when I lived in NZ, a country that allows people to afford cars..) so I would try to remember a lighter beer and a juice in between or something, my guess was it would help flush the extra alcohol out quicker and give more time between alcohol intake but I am sure my theory is as scientific a theory as a typical fern posting..plus if the beer is good I do run the danger of forgetting to alternate..

taniwharugby

I have had 5 5-6% beers and been under the adult limit in NZ, however if I am driving, I will only have 4 5% beers but will match it with similar volume of water. 
 
Havent tried any new beers for a while, must go on the hunt for something!

The Silver Fern

Beer thread