Beer Testing - Round 22 (Canadian Open, Day 2)

Back in Vancouver again after my L.A. trip, the testing continues..

Defending Champ

Name: Asahi "The Master" Pilsner

Origin: Tokyo, Japan

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.55/can USD0.73/100mL

With a score of 8.95/10 and 7 wins in a row, this beer is looking unbeatable.

Challenger 1

Name: Konig Ludwig Weissbier

Origin: Germany

Alcohol: 5.5%

Price: USD2.73/500mL bottle USD0.55/100mL

Pretty smooth, with no bite. Not a lot of depth compared to other wheat beers, but maybe that's why I liked it, as I'm not a fan of the strong tastes of cloves that most wheat beers tend to have. Final score 7.35/10.

Challenger 2

Name: Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. Attila The Honey

Origin: Revelstoke, B.C.

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD4.50/650mL bottle USD0.69/100mL

A nice, deep caramel colour on the pour. It's sweet, and you can really taste the honey. I liked it, but my brother thought it was just ok. Final score 7.55/10.

Challenger 3

Name: Baltika 3

Origin: St. Petersburg, Russia

Alcohol: 4.8%

Price: USD2.54/500mL bottle USD0.51/100mL

It states on the bottle, "The Famous Beer of Russia." If by "famous" they mean "watery tasting, fizzy, and stinks", then I agree. Too bad we never saw Baltika 1 and 2. As with most sequels, they tend to get worse as they go. Sorry, but I say nyet. Please stick to making vodka. Final score 4.2/10.

Challenger 4

Name: Driftwood Brewery White Bark Wheat Ale

Origin: Victoria, B.C.

Alcohol: 5%

Price: USD4.63/650mL bottle USD0.71/100mL

This is a Belgian-style wheat ale with the addition of freshly ground coriander and orange peel, which gives it a slight citrus flavour. While we were choosing beers at the liquor store, my brother was reading the label on the bottle, when a girl walks up next to him and asks, "Have you tried that one before?" He tells her that he hadn't, to which she says, "I was just about to buy a couple bottles. It's friggen delicious!" Well, with that kind of endorsement, I guess we had to try it. Unfortunately though, it didn't quite live up to the glowing review. It was just ok. Final friggen score 6.85/10.

Asahi "The Master Pilsner" takes its 8th straight win!