FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
If you’re searching the beer fridges for something different, this wheat ale is surprisingly well suited to barbecues
RUSSIA isn’t usually the first place you think of when it comes to beer, so the opportunity to sample some of
the local brew is always one I take up.
From the Wolf Brewery in regional Russia comes Blanche de Mazay Wheat Ale, an interesting and surprisingly pleasant brew.
It has a hazy strawcoloured appearance with a good frothy white head with a slightly sweet aroma. It doesn’t have that characteristically earthy wheat beer smell nor does it taste like your conventional wheat beer. It is creamy and smooth from the first mouthful with plenty of body.
Some may find it a tad sweeter than mainstream beers, but it actually grows on you after a few. There’s just enough bitterness in the aftertaste, although it isn’t overpowering. Be warned: this is a strong brew at 5.9 per cent but you wouldn’t know it from drinking a few. It doesn't make you feel bloated and it’s a very sessionable beer.
This social drop would be well suited to barbecues or —
“THIS SOCIAL DROP WOULD BE WELL SUITED TO BARBECUES OR — SURPRISINGLY — MEXICAN FOOD ...”
surprisingly — Mexican food such as chilli con carne.
If you are a fan of typical wheat beers, you may be disappointed, but if you are up for sampling something different, this Russian could be for you.