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

Cerveja Therezopolis Gold

I was out one night having drinks at a restaurant called Pio Brasileiro and we brought a bucket of four 600ml Therezopolis Golds.  Until this point, I hadn’t really given this beer much of a shot.  I guess I kind of thought it was a lower end beer or something, I don’t really know.  I do know that I am glad I gave this beer a shot though.  Therezopolis Gold is a smooth, light bodied beer that has a mildly sweet taste.  It’s not over the top, but definitely has a good flavor and drinkability.  Also, for the price of around 6.99 reals for a 600ml bottle, you can’t really go wrong.

KOP Rating : 5.5/10

Cerveja Bamberg Rauchbier

I acquired this beverage at a gift exchange over the holidays and almost forgot about it sitting in my fridge until last week.  Cassondra made a fantastic filet mignon, with a poached egg, and I thought the beer would go great with this fine meal.  The initial taste of the Bamberg Rauchbier had a little smokiness, which went well with the meat.  A note of hops, accompanied by a toffee flavor, then followed this smokiness.  It was very reminiscent of a German bier that is not overly malty and finishes clean.  I would also say this cerveja would be a good accompaniment with a cigar or smoke, that is, if you smoked and/or had more than one of these fine beers to enjoy!

KOP Rating 6.5/10

Petropolis Premium Dark Cerveja Premium - Black Princess 1882

I picked up this fine beverage from a local store called Extra, which has just about everything you could possible want or need from a store.  I think I had been to Extra numerous times before I realized they have good priced specialty beers though.  This little number, the Black Princess 1882, is not what I was expecting from a dark Brazilian beer.  Most dark beers in Brazil are very sweet, almost overly sweet.  Black Princess 1882 does have hint of caramel to open with, but finishes with a very smooth taste.  The overall effect ends up being a full-bodied, well-balanced beverage.   It is nice to know there is a good dark beer made in Brazil that doesn't taste a like dessert.    

KOP Rating - 6/10