08.13.07 From the Viking
Raising the Bar: Five Beers You Shouldn't Be Afraid to Try
Written by Mario Frassetto
The general public and consensus of beer drinkers in the United States drinks domestic, mass-produced beer. We’re talking the likes of Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors etc… While there’s nothing wrong with kicking back at the ball game or a back yard function with a domestic brewski, sometimes drinking something that resembles real beer instead of water is in order.
And that is why we have come up with a few beers that you may have heard of, but were either unwilling or “afraid” to try. And if you have, then good for you, you’re already one of the chosen ones.
Taking into account that there are hundreds – wait, make that thousands of beers on the market today, our five beers are widely available across the nation and can be found in just about any grocery store. They’ll be in their own section, but if you look a bit, you’ll find them. And just in case you were wondering: no, you don’t have to drink any of these warm. That’s just disgusting.
Stella Artois
This beer has to be the perfect import substitute for the cookie-cutter lagers of America. The most “common” beer on this list, this Belgian-brewed bottom-fermented pilsner lager is the number one seller in the UK (for lagers). It also has 5.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is slightly higher than any traditional U.S. beer. Like Mikey says, “try it you’ll like it.”
Franziskaner
This German Hefe Weiss is best known for the bottle's happy monk rubbing his belly while drinking a brew. The foil-wrapped bottles contain a golden Hefe: wheat beer. Certain steps need to be taken when pouring this beer (found here), which are half the fun and quite the challenge after drinking 5 or 6 of them. Fruit is involved, which is normally a no-no with beer, but essential for any Hefe, so we’ll let it slide on this one.
Carlsberg
This is “probably the best beer in the world,” or so they say, at least. They’re not far off, but we’re just not ready to give the Danes that crown quite yet... but it is damn good. While they make many beers, the German-style pilsner is what they are most noted for and what you should try. Straw in color, this beer is the best thing to come out of Denmark since, well, hot Danish chicks.
Smithwick's
First of all, it’s pronounced 'smit-icks’ not ‘smith-wicks’ Get this wrong in a Irish or English pub and you’ll be instantly tagged a beer poser and a dullard. So just don’t do it. After that you’ll be sure to enjoy this Irish-red ale straight from (you guessed it) Ireland. This beer has a smooth and refined texture with a bitter and complex finish. Drink enough though and you’ll be kissing (or pissing on) the ole’ blarney stone and won’t give a shit either way.
Boddingtons
Right on the coattails of the giant Guinness is the English-brewed Boddingtons. A nitro keg beer, this golden brew is what’s known as a cask bitter. The nitrogen widget in the can produces a smooth pour and a thick creamy head while keeping the beer smooth. Lighter (in taste too) than Guinness, its unique flavor and 4.7% alcohol content make it a must try. Drink a few yards and see how long you keep your clothes on. Don’t ask how we know this, just trust us.
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Smithwick's should be pronounced Smith-icks, not Smit-icks, and it definitely is a great beer.
Boddingtons is your real unsung-hero beer on this list. It's like Guiness mixed with a fluffy cloud made of soft kisses from a hot woman.
If you like Boddey's, try Tetley's. Pretty good beer.
Ultimately though, IPA's are the ultimate in beer.
Monteiths Red Ale
Asahi
And of course the great Aussie beers;
Coopers Sparkling/Pale Ale's
James Boags Premium
The above beverages are the cause if my random, irreverent character.
(Not to mention my dwindling stockpile of pants..)
Want to write a comment?
Some of my picks:
Old Rasputin Stout, Northern California
This preposterously dark and rich stout not only tastes delicious and totally different from imported stouts, it also has a 9% alcohol content. It also has a kick-ass name.
Magic Hat's Mystery Beer, Vermont
I really don't know what this is. It almost tastes like it combines the flavors of a brown ale and a hefeweizen. Maybe a really flavorful porter? It's also stronger than anything on this list, and would probably be acknowledged as candy by any beer drinker.
Unlike the beers on your list, though, Mario, mine are a little harder to come by. Still, you've got to check them out if you get a chance.