Beer is a divisive issue these days. One faction sees it as a hype spread by city dwellers denigrating the ordinary lager. Another faction is simply against bad industrial beer and strives for good quality in the fridge.
Someone who is against bad beer infected me with an approach a few years ago: “If you don’t know a beer on the menu, drink it!” Since then, curiosity has guided my orders and rarely disappointed me.
As a result of this curiosity and the range of beers available in various shops, these four beers are practically my favourites at the moment (from left to right):
Tipsy Gypsy
Always bought when guests are expected. But also a good choice beyond that. A full-bodied pilsner that is intense in flavour, yet not overbearing, and demands an “Hm, interesting beer!” from everyone. A good companion for the evening without having to talk about hop varieties or IBUs*. Was available here.
Oedipus Mama
The drinkable pale ale is probably frowned upon by connoisseurs by now, as it is one of the best known from Oedipus (sell-out!). The Amsterdam brewery has produced a very good pale ale. Not too hoppy and with 30 IBUs probably one of the entry-level pale ales. The rest of their range is also worth a sip, e.g. Offline or Gaia.
Stigbergets Amazing Haze
The champagne among my beers. The 0.33l bottle is not cheap at €6, but it really is for a special occasion. You don’t rush this beer like you would an after-work pint; you take a glass and you take your time! For a New England IPA, this is probably still the “hot shit”, to quote Martin, who introduced me to this beer.
ÜberQuell Supadupa
Finally, a decent beer from Hamburg! Supadupa is one of the most interesting German beers I’ve come across recently. Hoppier than any of the previous contenders, but also drinkable and beautifully golden in the glass. Best enjoyed on site at ÜberQuell with pizza.
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*International Bitterness Unit
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