The number of beer stores in Madrid has been reduced by more than half since its height, maybe eight or nine years ago. They are still around, of course, but even smaller supermarkets have more of a variety than they used to. Part of that is the swing by big breweries to more creative beers, following the lead of the craft breweries, with the obvious intention of stamping out the competition. Lidl shows off a little bit of Germanicism on its shelves, despite being no Fass, and how was I supposed to resist a German Red? The can is eye-catching in its decoration too, if you’re into that style. Steam Brew’s website seems to identify the brewery as German, “German craft beer resistance” they say. I don’t feel like sharing my Youtube data with anybody, as if I really have a choice, so I’m not watching the intro video. Maybe there is some more information on the brewery itself and not just their mythos, or maybe it’s an animated version of their website story. You can look for yourself if you’re curious. I’m going to dig into that German Red.
Very bubbly, but firm and resistant head. It’s definitely a red beer, and gives off a malty, bready aroma, befitting a German style. The taste is slightly sweet and gently honeyed. I struggle to pin a fruit on it, wavering between apples, raspberries, and pears. It’s perhaps surprisingly well-bodied for a supermarket beer, although I shouldn’t forget that bigger breweries can make heavier beers when they feel like it. Searching the website, I see this is labeled a Bockbier, which makes the weight make sense. A bit of a sour-bitter aftertaste builds up after a while, but it isn’t very bothersome, and probably with some light snack it wouldn’t even be noticeable. I might have to seek out the rest of the collection, at least to ease up on the pocket a little.
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