Classic Aussie Beer Reviews Part 2

Secret Boogaloo

Australia! A big brown flat land. Full of good see you next Tuesdays and not so good. And also beer. Lots of beer. I had previously reviewed 3 classic Aussie beers. I thought it was time to review some more.

Part 1 in case you missed it can be found here

https://kingbeers.substack.com/p/classic-aussie-beer-reviews-part

1. Crown Lager - A.B.V. 4.9%

First Brewed: 1919 but widely available from 1954

Taste: Very lightly flavoured. Hints of hops and lemon. Slightly bitter. Crisp

Verdict: 3.5

One of Australia’s most popular lagers. ‘Crownies’ as they are also know were originally brewed only for visiting dignitaries. It was made more widely available after Queen Elizabeth’s visit in the 1950s. This beer is pretty easy going, and straight from the fridge pretty pleasing. Sometimes a popular thing is popular because it is good. Like in this instance

2. Melbourne Bitter - A.B.V. 4.6%

   

   First Brewed: 1936

   Taste: Lightly hoppy and bitter. Bitterness lingers. Smooth and crisp

   Verdict: Initially 3.0 but then 1.0

   This largely Victorian regionally popular beer, is one of the many brands brewed by Carton United brewers or CBU (this list could potentially be renamed CBU classic beers since most are owned by them). Initially this beer was not too bad. A standardish bitter lager. However as I continued to drink it I began to feel ill. Almost like a hangover was kicking in straight away. Uncertain if the ingredients or something else but in the end this was a horrible beer. Avoid!

3. Carlton Draught - A.B.V. 4.6%

   

   First Brewed: 1864

   Taste: Malty, slightly sweet and hoppy. Well balanced

   Verdict: 4.5

   A quintessential Australian beer and one of the countries most popular (and cheaper) tap beers. From a bottle it is not quite as good as from a keg tap. However it is still good. Enjoyable and easy drinking and has a bit of trivia on the bottle cap. A beer I quite often go to when going to the pub. Definitely a personal favorite. Good stuff.

4. James Boags Premium Lager - A.B.V 4.6%

   

   First Brewed: 1994

   Taste: Slightly malty and hoppy. Smooth and crisp

   Verdict: 3.5

   A slightly more recent beer from others on this list. However James Boag’s Brewery has been around for 160 years, so has a pedigree of a classic. Brewed from Tasmania’s famous pristine waters. This is another quite good example of a Premium Australian Lager. Which would explain the number of awards it has won since it’s release. A satisfying and enjoyable beer, even though the bottle cap is a little judgy

   

   Thus ends part 2 of my CBU classic Australian beers. Some good premium lagers here and one real stinker. Definitely scope for a part 3. Perhaps with some more beers that are not own by CBU.