I decided to venture away from Europe for today's brew. Castle Lager is made in South Africa. It claims to be "The Premium South African Lager", and "Brewed in Perfect Balance". This are mighty big claims, and we'll see how it fares in the taste test.
It comes in a 440mL gold-coloured can, with an alcohol content of 5% by volume. It also has a best-before date, which I am glad had not expired yet. Today is April 9, and it is best before July 21.
When I poured it into my glass, it generated a nice head. Not too thick. The smell coming from the can was also promising. Lots of bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass. Then it was time for my first taste. I'd call it so-so. It was definitely a large improvement from my fiasco with Leffe. It almost tasted like a domestic beer. I could definitely see myself on a hot summer's day on the patio drinking one of these while soaking up the rays. And knowing that it comes from South Africa, that very well may be their intention. :)
It definitely does not have a hoppy taste. In fact, I'd say it's on par with most lagers for its weak taste. And after the first few sips, you can barely taste anything at all. Unfortunately it does have a slightly metallic aftertaste, most probably from the can. I'm not sure if I would buy this beer again due to the aftertaste. If it wasn't for that, I would definitely put it on my "hot sunny day" list.
Interesting...I was drinking Castle Lager this past Friday after work over at LuxALune. I have to agree with you on most of the taste points you brought up except for the aftertaste. I didn't find it metallic at all. I wonder if it was the can...?
ReplyDelete(you may want to consider their Beer College held on the last Tuesday of the month. For $18 you get a bunch of beer tastings and tapas)
It must have been the can then.
ReplyDeleteInteresting you brought up Luxalune, since that gastropub is the reason I started this little project. I figured it wouldn't hurt to do a bit of self-discovery before I head over there again.
I'll have to look into their Beer College sometime. I won't be able to go for a long while though. Tuesdays are my speedwork day.