We recently stumbled upon a round-up of beers that we can’t get our paws on here in the U.S.
Not to play Freud, but knowing that you can’t have something makes you want it all the more. In other words, if, after reading the below, you hop (get it?) a flight to Amsterdam… Congratulations! You’re human.
Let’s start in Belgium, with De Struise Brouwers Black Damnation – one of many fine beers that Belgians keep to themselves. This Russian Imperial Stout is supposedly one of the tastiest dark beers ever made.
Next stop, Germany. Landskron Premium Pilsner is another withheld gem. It is a classic German pils that stands up to the best of any found on continental shores. But if you want a drop, better head out to the city of Gorlitz. They don’t make all that much of this stuff and most of it doesn’t travel far from home.
Onward to China. Zhuhai Kirin President Brewery Haizhu Beer is produced by the makers of Kirin and is the classic beer to pair with sweet & sour chicken. Haizhu 12° is a pale lager hat makes the rounds in the region, but nowhere near the U.S.
Take us to Africa for Hansa Draught which is indigenous to Namibia, a former German colony that still follows the German Purity Laws for brewing known as Reinheitsgebot. That means its beers have nothing in them they shouldn’t, and taste crisp, clean, and delicious.
Caracu is what they are drinking in Brazil. It’s a cross between a milk and a sweet stout that dips its toes into dark lager territory. It’s different than virtually anything on tap in North American bars. Oddly enough, it’s apparently traditional to mix it with a raw egg – truly the breakfast of Brazilian champions.
Mountain Goat Steam Ale is Australia’s pride and joy. It is produced with organic ingredients and is a steam beer – a uniquely American style brew developed in the late 1800s in California. The brewmasters at Mountain Goat keep this taste of the U.S. all to themselves, or at least to their fellow Australians, though a few bottles make it home in suitcases and on to eBay.
Finally, Bucanero Max – perhaps the ultimate in forbidden fruit. Bucanero Max is an American Adjunct Ale brewed and bottled in sunny Havana. At 6.5 percent ABV, Castro’s people brew this one strong, and like the country’s most sought after export, the cigar, it’s reputed to be an acquired taste – a complex beer for a complex country. For obvious political reasons, this one isn’t about to hit our