April 2007 Archives

As I always do when in a new country, I like to try out the best the local have to offer. Recently I was lucky enough to visit Sofia and had the opportunity to wet my whistle on some local Bulgarian Bira.

Shumensko (Шуменско) is a bira that has been brewed since 1882. I'm not quite sure how to explain this bira, but it's essentially pils with some local flare. Still it was refreshing and crisp, so this gets a 4 steins:

It has been a while since I've posted here. The last 4 weeks have been incessantly busy. I've managed to visit a number of countries for work and for play. 3 weeks ago I visited Hrvatska (Croatia) and whilst in the beautifully old and stunningZagreb, I managed to sample some of the local brews.

The above pšenično pivo (wheat bier) is from a local brewery and restaurant in Zagreb called, Pivnica Medvedgrad.

Now the pivo wasn't to bad, but it wasn't spectacular either, especially when compared to Deutsch Bier. So I give this one 3 steins.

While in Zürich the other weekend I visited Zeughauskeller. A brilliant Bier Keller, with what has to be one of the most interesting methods to enjoy a bier.

So the photo above is actually of the final stage. But what precedes this is:
- Whisky is poured into the glass
- Lit on fire
- Swirled
- Then doused with bier, which gives you a:

"Highlander Whisky Malt Beer"

I really enjoyed this bier. It was different from what I usually consume, however challenged my preconceived notion of bier and was a pleasure to drink. So purely on originality, I would give this 5 steins:

I spent the weekend in Zürich catching up with a mate. We had dinner a typical Bier hall and I got to try a new drink.

This is the Schneider & Sohn
Aventinus. It is similar to a Dunkel, but contains about 8% alcohol and a richer ruby colour.
I thoroughly enjoyed this bier and give it a 4 steins: