Cerveja Baden Baden 1999

To put it midldy, I am a Baden Baden fan.  If you have read any of this blog you know that the 2^nd highest rated beer is the Baden Baden Red Ale.  I think I had some lofty goals for the 1999, which, to my dismay, were very unsatisfied.  I fancied this beverage to have a strong-ale style based on the description of the beer and my love of Baden Baden.  Once I had opened the cerveja, I realized how off the mark my opinion had been.  The beer almost tasted flat with a subtle sense of hops that didn’t sit well.  I honestly thought that beer was bad, but I kept drinking.  The beer eventually started to level off and I began to taste a bit of flavor, but I partial think that was wishful thinking.  Not to say I won’t have a Baden Baden again, but I don’t think I will be having the 1999.  

KOP Rating : 5.5/10

Cerveja Bavaria Premium

Bavaria Premium is a fine Brazilian pilsen.   A classic pilsner flavor with a subtle finish. Great on a hot day or even better for playing Polish Horseshoes in the park.  I personally think it fits in the same category as Brahma, Skol, and Antartica; yet, that could be argued by some.  Not too much going on here, but the drinkability level is high.

KOP Rating : 4/10

Tres Lobos American Pilsen

I recently found my favorite beer in Brazil (so far) and I have just been drinking it and not posted a review.  Shame on me I say.  Tres Lobos American Pilsner is by far the best Brazilian beer I have had since I have lived here.  I have been looking for a beer that is hoppy yet smooth with good drinkability.  I think the reason it took so long to find this beer is because it is labeled as an American Pilsner, which is most definitely is not.  The first sip of this fine cerveja and you realize you have a gem.  The floral hops hit you in the nose, but don’t stay there for too long.  A little tinge of malt mixes in for a subtle balance that makes this beverage perfect for me.  Since I found this beer, I think I have gone back to the store and purchased about 8 of the 355ml bottles (at 3.99 reals per pop!)  It isn’t the most economical beer, but my favorite of Brazil so far.  Saude!!!

KOP Rating : 9/10

Falke Bier Estrada Real IPA

Estrada Real IPA is a very distinct-style of IPA.   This cerveja has a sweet-hop with a stronger malt finish that overpowers the true IPA designation of the beverage.  Yet, somehow this it works for me.  The dark earthy color, the carmel flavor, and the subtle citrusy hops combine for a very palatable experience.  Brewed and bottled in Belo Horizonte!

KOP Rating : 6.5/10

Cerveja A Outra

My friend Laura gave me this Sao Paulo cerveja about a month ago and told me I should review it for my blog.  When I questioned her as to what was so special about this beer, she told me all I needed to know is that it is called “the Other”.  Oh god!

From the initial pour the beverage looks like any regular Brazilian beer, say like a Skol or Brahma.  Once you take a sip though you realize why it is "the Other”.  A little sweet and not very smooth, this beer would most definitely give you a horrible hangover.   I have to admit, it’s not the worst beer I have had in Brazil, but I don’t think I will have one again.  Obrigado Laura!

KOP Rating : 3/10

Cerveja Buzios Geriba American Lager

Maybe it was the beach.  Maybe it was the sun.  Maybe it was the fact that I hadn’t had an artisanal beer in far too long.  Either way, this fine beverage hit the spot.  Buzios Geriba is an American style lager feels more like a pale and far exceeded my expectations.   A little on the hoppy side and bit citrusy, but still balanced with a nice malty creamy taste.   All in all, this is a very refreshing beverage.    When I am back in Buzios, I am definitely going to grab another one of these bad boys. 

KOP Rating 7/10 

Cerveja Eisenbahn Pilsen

Eisenbahn Pilsen is a “you get what you think you are going to get” kind of beer.  Not much really going here to be honest.  The front end is smooth, but there really is no finish to the beer.  I think it is trying to be a watered-down premium cerveja for people who want to think they are drinking a small batch beverage.  I guess if you are into, ya know, not tasting your beer, this might be for you.  Not to say it is bad, just so you know it's not really good either. 

KOP Rating : 4.5/10