I like Urquell. Maybe it’s partly the nostalgia, but mostly malt and hops. So Death and Taxes comes in a single serving? If I find one, it’s bought.
I’m not kidding, since early 80’s Augsberger, I’ve tasted the same off notes in pretty much every micro I’ve tried. To me, it always felt like thee brew wasn’t aged for long enough.
The reason I started with Heineken was that it was the everyman’s blah beer. Urquell is much better. Urquell was the first version I tried (1985). I was impressed, and I still like it. I can’t believe you don’t taste this slightly bitter (honestly tastes like raw corn sugar to me, just not as blah) adjunctive flavor in the micros. They’ve actually gotten worse since Augs of the 80’s. Urquell is middle of the road. I’m setting myself up for disappointment every time I try this. I live in western WI, near La Crosse. I jujst never stop by the US micros anymore, since they all taste a little off. Go with another middle of the road: DAB. Nothing made here can compete. I want you to flip my script. So many of these micros, might take me 15 minutes to find, if they have them. Next week I have a few days off. I’ll go hunting. Little busy at work lately.
I have to admit I’m quite surprised when I read on forums how great some of these are that are nowhere near their Euro counterparts. Urquell. Boring ole Urquell. Nothing close that I’ve tried.
I can remember a few: Heater Allen. This was supposed to be superb. More mediocre than any Urquell, I’ve ever had. I thought Oregon would yield lovely malt. Again, maybe just wasn’t aged for long. Sierra Nevada Noon something. Ho-hum, shave the tongue finish. Live Oak. So thumbs down. Summit Keller pils. Don’t even want to talk about it. Wanted to support my neighbors in MN, but Grain Belt is better, and old Grain Belt was better than that.
Either way, it’s all good. The beers that were good for me, aren’t good to you. The beers that you might like, I might despise. Let us both enjoy our consumption. Got a few Sam Smiths in the fridge. Love their oatmeal stout. Hope you enjoy what it is you’re imbibing, bud.