BEER: Knappstein Enterprise Brewery Reserve Lager
5.6%, $18 4 pack
Source: Sample

In an unusual twist of fate, I like this more than the Enterprise Cabernet Cabernet that it was delivered with…

Brewed by the Knappstein brewery – which apparently dates back to 1876 – this is a modern, hop driven lager that is really quite well built.

Carrying a big, almost tropical nose (Kiwi Sauvin hops apparently) this carries a serious hoppy punch, though without the resinous hoppy bitterness you’d expect to follow. It finishes with alcohol weight and with though no spiky heat, carrying its alcohol nicely.

Apparently something of a crossover between the wine and the beer teams at Knappstein, this tastes serious and genuine, if not quite detailed enough to be artisan – definitely mainstream, ‘big brew’ stuff, though with much to like about the form and style.

Rating: I’d drink it and buy it.