have a prize

The World Cup is right around the corner, and while I don't really care about that, I see from some advertising that Victoria Malaga is a sponsor of the Spanish national team.  Not a beer I know, so why not give it a try?  The spectators in Qatar aren't likely to have a chance.  A quick look into the history of the brewery reveals a strong German connection, German brewmasters being brought in at the company's beginnings and a happy German tourist being a memorable mascot mid-century.  Although the beer is named for the patron of Malaga, Our Lady of Victory, it does seem appropriate to sponsor a sports team.  Wishful thinking and all that.

As expected, very light, very foamy, a slightly sweeter aroma than many.  A nice lager flavor, bready and malty, with a tiny hint of bitter skittering over the top.  It has a disarmingly full mouthfeel, but then disappears right down the throat, making it both very satisfying to drink and quite easy to go for another sip.  However Spain does in soccer, the beer is a winner.

noisy uncouth

Another cheeky possibility looking out from somewhat disorderly shelves, Muted Sophisticated got snapped up as soon as I saw it.  It turns out its Garage, so good call by my gut.  Finback Brewery also participated, although they are less of a draw for me than Garage, simply because I'm less familiar with their products.  I can only assume they impress, given the company they keep.

Another sheer beauty in the glass, with a frosty chocolatey kind of whiff to it.  A pretty little head sits on top, although it dissolves pretty quickly.  The flavor is light and only a little sweet at first, but it develops a punch of both bitter and sweet, while filling out over the tongue, making itself impossible to let just slip by.  Although it has a fairly solid mouthfeel, I don't feel it as very sticky, at least at first.  It isn't excessively sweet, like some pastry stouts can be, or overly reliant on a coffee or chocolate taste to give the drinker a little kick.  It's flavor is almost medicinal, a root beerish sort of taste, with a bitter base and a sweetened coating to make it go down easy.  In this case, mission accomplished for sure.

Supplier: Lambeer

Price: €6.90

ear to ear

Lambeer, I thought you had escaped me!  I only just discovered its existence east of me when they closed up shop.  But then...they announced a reopening!  Now they are in Mecado de Prosperidad, not in an independent store, but that's no reason to complain.  It works for La Mundial and La Buena Pinta.  Stock had just come in when I arrived, so there were some bare spots on shelves and things out of place, but if you know what you want it isn't that hard to find.  And what I want is stouts!  There were several peeking at me, but finally Dichosa De Tranquis was the chosen one.  I wasn't sure, seeing as it proclaims its licorice flavor right on the label, but I was assured it was a tasty and easy drink, in spite of its relatively strong 10%.

It has a sticky raisiny aroma right away, and a pleasing black brown color.  Not a lot of head; I might have overchilled again.  The first sip is a blend of smoke, dried fruit and breadiness.  Despite the complexity of the flavor, the feeling is of a lighter, softer beer, very easy going down.  There's little aftertaste, just a slight feeling of baked goods.  I have no regrets, not being overwhelmed with licorice, or coffee candy, as can also happen.  Good advice and a good beer!

Supplier: Lambeer

Price: €3.95

end of summer excursion

It's always nice to see a new arrival on the beer shelf, even if the brewery is already well known.  Even if the brewery is not exactly craft.  Or craft at all.  I like to have a Damm in the evening, although what I like is the märzen, and this is an IPA.  But it is new for me, a Mediterranean IPA, so I'm intrigued.  The can does not look too summery, although the mountains on the shore are green, so maybe there will be a warming feeling for the new cooler temperatures.  You never know what will come out of a Complot.  The story on the side tells of exploratory agriculture, trying to develop new hops and new farming opportunities near the coast; Complot is actually the name of the hops variety they developed to grow there.  While they insist the climate conditions are similar to those of the best hop growing regions in the world, I have the feeling that the Pacific Northwest and certain areas of Bohemia would be displeased at the comparison.

Rich orange, not exceptional head, and a sort of orange cream aroma.  A little apple in there too.  I think there's a little citrus trying to get out in the taste, but it leans heavily towards apple/pear.  It feels somewhat dusty at first, and like some body is trying to build, but it rapidly disappears after swallowing.  It's a very light feeling beer, and almost disappointingly subtle in flavor.  There's barely any bitterness at all and any hops are very subdued.  I guess it has more flavor of its own than the typical Mahou, but there's enough grainy sweetness that it wouldn't quite be the perfect hot and spicy food accompaniment.  If the food was very bland it could give a little interest to the meal.  There are certainly light and subtle beers made from West Coast and Bohemian hops, but I'm just used to a little more oompf, and I miss it when it's not there.  I guess it's something of a beach beer after all.