Country of Origin: New Zealand
Recommended by: Darsha
Price comparison: I don't know; it was a gift.
Availability: Some availability in the US (in its specially pasteurized import incarnation) at specialty markets in some states. Unavailable in Connecticut; I had to have a Kiwi take pity on me and send me the real deal.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 4%
Cute bottle/label? Squat little 330 ml. orange can, sloganed "classic beer big reputation".
Appearance: Gorgeous clear copper with bright white, thick head and gobs of lace on the glass.
Scent: The aroma pretty much reminds me of filtered apple juice. I'm just not detecting anything else, no matter how much I sniff.
Flavor: Not horrid, but nothing specifically distinguishable in its flavor whatsoever.
Impressions: I don't really think of this as an IPA. I don't taste any hops in it at all, even on the finish. It's very lightly flavored, and practically nonalcoholic by my standards, and, as such, it's thirst-quenching, but I'd be more inclined to believe this was a lager based on the flavor and mouthfeel.
Will I buy this beer again? I'm finding, as I progress, that these sporty little NZ beers have certain traits in common: those who've had the specially-imported versions think they are vile, whereas those who've had the real thing more or less agree they're not too bad. In this country - and others - we tend to expect more bang for our buck, so it's been an odd concept for me to accept a beer knowing well in advance that it is not meant to give me a buzz; rather, it should slake a dry throat, prevent dehydration, and, possibly, wash down a meal. There are beers in America that do little more than that yet promise so much more. But that doesn't answer the question, does it?
Truth is, this was bloody hard for me to get hold of, and I imagine it was a bloody lot of trouble for Darsha to get it to me. If I could get hold of the real thing (as opposed to the crappy American Trader Joe's imported versions), and if it weren't such a hassle to get it, I'd be more inclined to buy this than to buy domestic macrobrews such as Budweiser or Miller. It's more enjoyable both from the visual and the drinkability standpoints. However, when all's said and done, I am still a bit disappointed that it doesn't taste like an IPA, and being that it's so hard to get, whereas I can buy quality domestic IPAs very conveniently, I'd have to say that this was worth it for the experience, and I wouldn't turn it down if it were available, but I won't ask the Beer Fairy to send more of it.
Rating:
2½ out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: January 30, 2004
